The Three Parts Outlined Below:

You might have heard of the three parts: Opening, Middle Game, and Endgame. For a long time, I've used those definitions as well.

But now I've discovered that, especially for Beginners, it is simpler to talk about the three parts of a Chess Game this way:

Part 1: Get a Good Position

Part 2: Turn the good position into a won position (win material/checkmate)

Part 3: Convert the extra Material into a win

This course will flow through these three parts chronologically, just like a chess game. First, you will learn methods to help you get an advantageous position and to outplay your opponent.

Then, you will acquire knowledge and skills to turn that advantage into a material gain or checkmate (tactics + checkmating motifs).

This is where your games will be decided!

Note that in some cases, you won't even need the knowledge from part 1 because your opponent will offer you a piece for free early on in the game. Then you just need to be able to spot that and say thank you.

The last part will be about using the material advantage and turning it into a Win. Converting the advantage involves strategies to keep the game simple, trade down material, and win in the endgame.

Be it by promoting a pawn or knowing how to checkmate the opponent's bare King with a different set of material.

How the parts differ from each other:

Part 1 is mostly about knowledge. Knowing how to use each piece will help you during the game. Knowing the opening principles will lead to sound decisions early on.

Part 2 is a little knowledge and then a lot of skills. That's why I will ask you to practice what you learn. Knowing what a fork is is great, but what you really need is to spot forks in your game. This is done by practicing (you will get all the knowledge + practice advice in part 2).

Part 3 is a mix of knowledge and skills. Knowing how to promote a pawn is nice, but you will need to do it in a game with likely little time left. So you will learn the basics and then see if you can implement those in your game.

If you fail to do so, come back to part 3 often to repeat the lessons so you can really apply what you learn in practice.