New to Chess? Here’s a Complete Chess Starter Pack
Starting your chess journey can be exciting but also overwhelming. With so many books, resources, and tools available, it’s essential to focus on what truly matters. This guide will help you get started with the essentials: a chessboard, a few key books, and the right coaching to accelerate your progress.
1. Essential Chess Equipment
Chessboard and Pieces
A good chess set is a must for serious learning. Choose the right one based on your needs:
| Type | Description | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wooden Set | Classic look, durable, often handcrafted | Home practice, collectors | $50 – $300 |
| Vinyl Tournament Set | Standard for tournaments, lightweight, portable | Clubs, tournament players | $10 – $40 |
| Plastic Set | Affordable and sturdy | Beginners, kids, travel | $5 – $20 |
| Electronic Set | Connects to online platforms, records games | Advanced players, online training | $200 – $1000 |
Recommended: A vinyl tournament chess set (board + weighted plastic pieces) is the best choice for beginners and tournament players.
Checkout Staunton Chess Set (My recommendation) on Amazon by Clicking Here
Chess Clock
A chess clock helps improve time management. Some popular choices:
| Clock | Features | Price Range |
| DGT 3000 | FIDE-approved, multiple time controls | $80 |
| Leap Digital Clock | Affordable, easy to use | $15 |
| Analog Chess Clock | Classic mechanical clock, no batteries needed | $20 – $40 |
If you’re playing online, platforms like Lichess and Chess.com have built-in clocks, making a physical one unnecessary at first.
Digital Tools and Apps
Online chess platforms provide excellent training opportunities:
- Lichess (Free) – Great for playing, puzzles, and opening exploration.
- Chess.com (Freemium) – Offers lessons, game analysis, and practice tools.
2. Best Chess Books for Beginners
Books are a crucial part of chess improvement. Here are some top recommendations:
| Skill Level | Book Title | Author | Focus |
| Complete Beginners | Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess | Bobby Fischer | Basic tactics, step-by-step learning |
| Young Learners | Winning Chess Strategy for Kids | Jeff Coakley | Illustrated strategy lessons |
| Tactics Training | Winning Chess Tactics | Yasser Seirawan | Tactical patterns and exercises |
| Opening Principles | Discovering Chess Openings | John Emms | How to play the opening correctly |
| Game Analysis | Logical Chess: Move by Move | Irving Chernev | Explaining every move in detail |
| Positional Play | My System | Aron Nimzowitsch | Positional understanding |
Beginners should start with Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess and Logical Chess: Move by Move, then gradually explore other books.
3. Finding a Chess Coach
A chess coach can help identify your weaknesses and accelerate improvement. Here’s how to find the right one:
Why You Need a Coach
- Personalized training suited to your strengths and weaknesses.
- Helps develop a structured study plan.
- Saves time by preventing common mistakes.
Where to Find a Coach
| Platform | Description | Cost Range |
| Lichess Coaches | Verified chess coaches with ratings displayed | $20 – $50 per hour (For beginners) |
| Chess.com Coaches | Wide selection, reviews available | $20 – $50 per hour |
| Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Discord) | Directly contact experienced players | Varies |
| Local Chess Clubs | Find in-person coaching | $10 – $50 per session |
What to Look for in a Coach
- Strong playing credentials (FIDE Master, International Master, Grandmaster).
- Teaching experience with structured lesson plans.
- Reviews from students.
- A trial lesson to check compatibility.
4. Practice and Training Routine
Improvement in chess requires structured training. Here’s a basic routine for beginners:
Daily Practice Plan (60 Minutes)
| Time | Activity | Purpose |
| 15 min | Solve 10-15 tactics | Improve calculation skills |
| 20 min | Play a rapid (10+5) or classical (15+10) game | Apply learned concepts |
| 15 min | Analyze your game | Identify mistakes and learn from them |
| 10 min | Study an opening or endgame | Build a solid foundation |
Weekly Goals
- Play at least 10 games (online or OTB).
- Solve 50+ tactical puzzles.
- Study 1-2 games from a chess book.
- Spend time on endgames (King & pawn basics, opposition, rook endgames)
Conclusion
Getting started in chess doesn’t require expensive tools, but the right resources are crucial for improvement. Here’s a quick summary:
- Essential Gear: A tournament chess set and a clock (optional for online play).
- Online accounts on lichess and on chess com
- Books to Read: Start with “Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess” and “Logical Chess: Move by Move.”
- Finding a Coach: Consider online platforms like Lichess, Chess.com, or local clubs.
- Daily Training: Play, solve tactics, analyze games, and study openings.
- Endgame Study: Learn basic king-pawn and rook endgames early.