5 free ways to learn chess

The world around us with is booming with chess news and information and a new viral reel is popping up every other day. While you are enjoying this, a thought comes along to start playing chess or get the dust off the forgotten chess board at home and start playing. But how to start? You may know some rules but the world of chess is getting stronger by the day. How do you compete with them? You go online and search some free lessons and after one of two chapters, they ask for subscription or your credit card details. We understand, you love chess but not that much to spend on learning at the moment. Don't worry, we got you covered. Here are five easy and absolutely free ways you can learn chess.

1) Lichess

While most websites and chess platforms run of learners and subscribers money, there has been one long-standing platform dedicated to promote chess playing and learning absolutely free, Lichess. While the platform might not be glam driven or filled with numerous chess variants, it does more than perfect job of framing your initial understanding of the fundamentals of the game. There have been many claims that many players have used the platform and reach 2000 ELO or more without any external help. So, go and try it out and start learning today. Make sure you check out their learn section.

2) Youtube videos

If you are a student, or currently at a new job with limited funds to spend and want to better at anything, youtube videos can always be a great resource and thankfully there are multiple channels with materials you can't cover in a lifetime. While there can be a confusion of where to exactly find the best chess learning videos, we would recommend to look around. One channel or teacher might be enough for you but there is no harm in learning from multiple channels. A quick reminder to not look at the views before you click on a video, as on the internet, chess grandmasters get far less views on their videos tan content creators who have never even been an International master. Here are some of our recommendations which you can definitively check and you can learn from the one you like the most. The list is in no particular order.

1. Agadmator

2. Gotham Chess

3. ChessBase India

4. St. Louis Chess Club

5. ChessBase

3) Your local club

One of the most underestimated ways to learn chess without spending is to learn chess at your local club or school club. After you have learnt the basics from Lichess or Youtube videos, start playing in your local club against your friends. The more you play the more you learn from your mistakes. If you have a club of friends around with whom you can play, that could be an amazing way to learn and share the knowledge of chess. Once you have learnt a new opening or idea, try and using them in your games and you will become better with each game. But remember to analyse all your games, not only the losses but also the wins, where exactly your opponent went wrong so that you don't the next time.

4) Chessable free courses

A hidden gem in the world of chess learning is the free courses section in Chessable. Considered as one of the biggest chess learning platforms, the site offers multiple courses absolutely free of cost. You can browse through all the free material and start improving in the game. Make sure to browse through the list and find out which courses suit you the best.

5) Learning from library books

While books are one of the most important sources of knowledge, chess books can be pretty expensive but do not underestimate the power of the books hiding in your local library. There may be multiple hidden gems which you can read through and gain knowledge you never knew existed. So, next time you visit your local library or pass by a old book store, make sure you take your time and check the books.

While there are various ways to learn chess, it is always advisable to learn from a good trainer or coach but incase you cannot afford one, we hope this article got you covered and give you motivation to start learning the game.

Written by Arteyo. A QuiqChess production.