The departments
Topics
The game, sorted into departments. Each collects our guides, the gear that earned a spot, and what the club has learned the hard way.
[ECO]
Openings & Theory
ECO-indexed opening guides, from first principles to move-order nerdery.
guides coming · explore →
[ECO]
Tactics & Patterns
Named motifs, mating nets, and the calculation habits that win club games.
1 guide · explore →
[ECO]
Sets, Boards & Clocks
Equipment that survives club night: sets, boards, clocks, and scorebooks.
2 guides · explore →
[ECO]
Over the Board
Rated-play culture: pairings, scoresheets, etiquette, and ratings.
3 guides · explore →
[ECO]
Training & Study
Books, plans, and honest advice for climbing the rating bands.
guides coming · explore →
[ECO]
Chess Culture
The game's history, language, and rituals.
guides coming · explore →
Reader favorites
The short list — see the full ranking on our best-gear page.
Magnetic Travel Chess Set
$14.99
Check priceHardcover Chess Scorebook
$14.99
Check priceThe Reassess Your Chess Workbook (Jeremy Silman)
$49.50
Check price
A quick, honest note: some links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we may earn a commission when you buy through them — at no extra cost to you. It never changes the price you pay.
6 guides published
8 products vetted
11 reader price checks
From the first run
Original designs, made to order.
