Learn
A short, opinionated list. If you want feedback on your games, bring them to a session — strong players in the club are happy to look. Or just do today’s puzzle.
Complete beginner
Never played, or only know the rules? Start here — an hour is enough to play a real game.
- Lichess — Learn chess ↗
Interactive lessons on every piece and basic checkmates. Free, no account needed.
- Lichess — Practice ↗
Checkmate patterns, piece checkmates, and key endgames as short drills.
- Chess.com — Lessons ↗
Video lessons from beginner to advanced (some need a subscription).
Tactics — the fastest way to improve below 1800
Most club games are decided by tactics. Ten puzzles a day beats an hour of opening theory.
- Lichess — Puzzles ↗
Unlimited rated puzzles, filter by theme (forks, pins, mate in 2…).
- Lichess — Puzzle Storm ↗
Pattern recognition against the clock.
- Chess Tempo ↗
Old-school, very well curated tactics trainer.
Openings & endgames
Pick one opening for white and one reply to e4 and d4, then stick with them for a semester.
- Lichess — Opening explorer ↗
See what strong players actually play in your positions.
- Lichess — Studies ↗
Community-made courses; search 'endgame' or the name of your opening.
- Chessable ↗
Spaced-repetition courses (many free short courses).
Watch & read
For the train back to Palaiseau.
- GothamChess (YouTube) ↗
Entertaining, structured 'building habits' series is excellent for beginners.
- Daniel Naroditsky — Speedrun ↗
A GM explaining every move while climbing from 1000 — the best free improvement content.
- Saint Louis Chess Club lectures ↗
Deep lectures by GMs on every phase of the game.
- Books ↗
Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess, Logical Chess: Move by Move (Chernev), Silman's Endgame Course, My System (Nimzowitsch).
Play rated games in France
For the competitive team.
- FFE — Fédération Française des Échecs ↗
Licence, official rating, tournament calendar.
- Ligue Île-de-France des Échecs ↗
Regional tournaments and inter-club leagues.
- FIDE ratings ↗
Look up any player's official rating.