Xiangqi vs Chess: A Side by Side Comparison for Western Players
Xiangqi, or Chinese chess, shares a goal with chess but plays quite differently. See the board, pieces and strategy differences for Western players.
Chess Guides
Wireless Smart Chess Boards That Sync With Lichess and Chess.com
Smart chess boards link physical pieces to online play. Learn the traits to compare, from sensing and motors to app support for Lichess and Chess.com.
Why You Should Stop Playing the London System Below 1500
The London System is solid, but playing it on autopilot can slow your growth under 1500. Here are the reasons, and what to play or change instead.
Why Top Grandmasters Are Switching to Freestyle Chess
Freestyle chess shuffles the back rank so opening memory counts for less. Here is why strong players find that appealing, and what it means for you.
The Vienna Gambit as a Beginner White Opening: A Fair Look
Is the Vienna Gambit a good opening for beginners with White? A balanced look at its ideas, typical plans, strengths and the limits to keep in mind.
Why Most Adults Stall at 1500 Elo and How to Push Past It
Many adult players stall around 1500 Elo. Here are common reasons it happens and a practical plan for tactics, endgames, openings and game habits.
Why Lichess Elo Numbers Differ So Much From Chess.com Elo
Your Lichess and Chess.com numbers rarely match. Here is why the two scales differ, and how to compare your level across sites without confusion.
Why Chess960 Has Not Replaced Classical Chess at the Top Level
Chess960 is popular and fun, yet classical chess remains the main format for elite play. Here are the common reasons the older game keeps its place.
Why Chess Became Cool Again After 2020, and Is the Boom Over?
Chess surged in popularity around 2020. Here are the main reasons behind the boom, and what we can and cannot say about whether it has faded.
Unweighted Chess Sets and Fischer: Should You Use One Too?
Stories about Bobby Fischer and unweighted chess sets get retold loosely. Here is how weighted and unweighted pieces differ and which suits your play.