Beginner Chess Training Plan & Resources
Build a consistent routine (15, 30, or 60 minutes/day), practice tactics the right way, analyze your games efficiently, and follow a 4–6 week roadmap to measurable improvement.
1) Goals & Baseline
Know what you’re training for: time control, rating target, and one priority (tactics, endgames, or openings).
Start here
Baseline
- Pick your main time control (Rapid 10+0 / 10+5 is great).
- Note your current rating on Lichess/Chess.com.
- Identify your biggest pain point (blunders? time trouble?).
Focus
1 Priority
- Tactics if you drop pieces or miss forks.
- Endgames if you reach equal endings and draw/lose.
- Openings only to reach safe middlegames.
Optional
Gear
- Analog or digital clock for discipline.
- Scorebook to review OTB play.
- Quality set to practice visualization.
2) Daily Routine (Pick a slot that you can keep)
Consistency beats intensity. Choose a track and stick to it for 4–6 weeks.
15 min
Quick Track
- 7 min tactics (easy → moderate, accuracy ≥ 70%).
- 5 min mini-endgame drill (K+Q vs K; basic mates).
- 3 min review one blunder from your last game.
30 min
Standard Track
- 12 min tactics (theme of the day: forks, pins, skewers…).
- 8 min endgames (opposition, basic rook endings).
- 10 min play 1 rapid (10+0) or review 1 loss.
60 min
Boost Track
- 25 min tactics (timed sets; annotate mistakes).
- 15 min endgames (king activity; pawn races).
- 20 min 1–2 rapid games + light review (no engine first pass).
3) Tactics Practice (How to train properly)
Use CCT (Checks, Captures, Threats), and review failed puzzles immediately. Track motifs.
Method:
- Pick a theme (e.g., pins). Do 10–15 puzzles at a rating ~+200 above yours.
- Spend ≤ 2 minutes per puzzle. If stuck, reveal the first move, then retry.
- Log motifs: fork/pin/skewer/discovered/double-attack.
4) Simple Game Analysis Workflow
First analyze without engine, then verify. Capture 1–2 lessons per game.
- Self-review (no engine): find where the plan went wrong; note critical moments.
- Engine check: confirm blunders; learn the right tactical shot.
- One takeaway: turn into a drill (e.g., “don’t leave back rank weak”).
5) Openings (Keep it light)
Aim for a playable middlegame. Memorize principles, not 30 moves of theory.
Rules that matter
- Develop 3–4 pieces quickly; castle early.
- Fight for the center (pawns + pieces).
- Connect rooks; avoid moving the same piece twice.
Mini-repertoire ideas
- As White: Italian / Queen’s Gambit for structure & plans.
- As Black vs 1.e4: Sicilian or French (pick one, keep it simple).
- As Black vs 1.d4: Slav or Queen’s Gambit Declined.
6) Endgame Core You Must Know
These endgames convert wins and save draws.
- Basic mates: K+Q vs K; K+R vs K.
- Pawn endings: opposition, outflanking, square of the pawn.
- Rook endings: active rook; “rooks behind passed pawns”.
7) 4–6 Week Roadmap
Weeks 1–2: Foundations
- Daily tactics (1 theme per day), basic mates.
- Play 1–2 rapid games per session; quick review.
- Note 1 recurring mistake → create a micro-rule.
Weeks 3–4: Stabilize
- Introduce rook & pawn endgames; add time management rule.
- One opening line each side; principles over memorization.
- Deeper review of losses (engine after self-analysis).
Weeks 5–6: Push Rating
- Timed tactics sets; accuracy & speed goals.
- Convert winning endings; save worse ones.
- Play a short “match night” (best of 3 rapids) weekly.
8) Tools & Timers
Online
- Lichess: puzzles by theme, analysis board, studies.
- Chess.com: Puzzle Rush, lessons, game review.
- Stockfish (free) for engine checks after self-review.
OTB Training
- Use a chess clock to simulate pressure.
- Record OTB games in a scorebook.
- Practice visualization with a quality chess set.
Timers (suggestions)
- Pomodoro 25/5 for 60-min sessions.
- 10-minute rapid → quick blunder check after.
9) Daily Checklist (Print & stick)
- ⏱ Routine done (15 / 30 / 60).
- 🧠 Tactics completed (theme + accuracy ≥ 70%).
- ♔ Endgame micro-drill finished.
- 📝 One takeaway from last game noted.
- 📈 Weekly review scheduled (Sun 20 min).