About the Course
This intensive 6-week course provides a comprehensive foundation in chess, blending introductory concepts with essential intermediate strategies and tactics. You’ll learn the rules of the game, basic opening principles, fundamental tactical motifs, endgame essentials, and develop strategic thinking skills necessary for confident and effective play. Through a combination of instruction, practical exercises, game analysis, and guided practice, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to confidently navigate the chessboard and progress in your chess journey.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the rules and mechanics of chess, including piece movement, board setup, and basic game objectives
- Apply fundamental opening principles and tactical motifs, such as forks, pins, and skewers, to gain strategic advantages during play
- Recognize and execute essential endgame techniques, including basic checkmates and king-pawn coordination
- Analyze chess positions and games, identifying key strategic ideas and evaluating possible moves using logical reasoning
- Build confidence and enthusiasm for chess, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement and encouraging participation in the Skillshop Challenge: Chess Club and other enrichment opportunities
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
Online
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Tue for 7 weeks
Times: 6 - 7:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: August 11, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time Commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). The course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
All online course times are Eastern time.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Wed for 6 weeks
Times: 6 - 7:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: September 15, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time Commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). The course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
All online course times are Eastern time.
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid