Collections
Reading collections
A collection is a short reading path for a specific goal. Inside, the guide's material is arranged in a handy order: the essentials first, then what is worth reading once the first questions are settled. The "Start here" or "Go deeper" label tells you where to begin.
A child does not need a perfect game. They need an adult who sits down opposite, plays with genuine interest and is not afraid to lose.
Collections include only material already published in the guide. We do not add links to outside courses, apps or schools, and we update the collections when new pages appear in the guide.
Your first month of chess
For those who have learned how the pieces move and want to know how to carry on.
- Answers about chessStart here
The board and pieces, checkmate and stalemate, castling, an opponent's illegal move.
- Your first game in five stepsStart here
A primer on the home page: the board, the clock, a calm game, recording moves and a chat afterwards.
- How to review your own gameGo deeper
A habit that helps you improve faster than any memorised lines.
Your first month of go
For those who have just sat down at a go board for the first time and want to find their feet on a small board.
- Answers about goStart here
Learning boards, who starts, capturing stones and the end of the game.
- Getting started in chess and go (in Russian)Start here
The first week day by day and a comparison of the two games in a single table.
- Liberty, capture, territory, ko and komiGo deeper
Go terms in the guide's glossary.
Chess and go with a child
For parents and grandparents who want to play together with children without putting them off the game.
- Guide sectionsStart here
The "Playing with people" section: board etiquette, relaxed games and first competitions.
- Your first game in five stepsStart here
Well suited to playing with a child: no rush, and a chat after the game.
- Answers about learning and fair playGo deeper
How many puzzles to solve, whether you need a coach and why slow games matter.
Read next
- Guides
How to review your own game and find the key mistake: steps, pitfalls, checklist. Plus the article catalogue.
- Reference
Glossary: check, checkmate, stalemate, castling, notation, liberty, ko, komi, time control.
- Archive
All material by date and topic, plus a note on the former address on this domain.
Sources
- Shahgo guide materials
- FIDE — Laws of Chess
Information is current as of the date the material was prepared. Official competition rules are revised from time to time, so before a tournament check the current edition of the rules and the regulations of that particular event.