Chess Classes

Our Wednesday class at the Tuscaloosa Public Library has four class levels. Each level has its own instructor. While chess is our primary focus, good sportsmanship and self-discipline are by-products of our teaching approach. All ages welcome.

1) Beginners

Learn basic chess moves and rules required to play a game.

2) Novice

Learn the basics about opening principles, tactics, and endgames. Demonstrate some proficiency. Prepare for your first tournament (or just get good enough to occasionally beat your dad or chess-playing friends). This level is also appropriate for players with some experience but who have had no formal training and may be unfamiliar with some chess terminology.

3) Intermediate

Gain an understanding of chess strategy, more advanced tactics, major openings, and intermediate level endgame play. Scholastic players at this level are generally interested in tournament play and are willing to work to gain the skills they need to be competitive.

4) Advanced

Gain deeper understanding of strategy, positional play. Improve calculation. Analyze positions. Employ proper chess thinking. This class is for the serious, experienced chess player with prior chess training. Most students will have USCF ratings above 800.

Our Intermediate and Advanced sections (taught by our best tournament players) are also appropriate for students at school chess programs who are ready for more advanced chess training and/or better chess competition than their school program can provide.

Objectives and Vocabulary Taught at Each Class Level

Topics and Proficiency Level Objectives (by Section)