This women-only course is ideal for women (only) who only know how the chess pieces move, up to players with up to about 1600 FIDE rating (if you don't what that means, this course is for you!).

The course consists of 12 sessions – you don't need to start at the beginning of the course. All our lessons are designed to work alone. If you join partway through, you pay less money, but still get to see the previous lessons on video catch up - bargain! Depending when you join, there are up to 6 interactive, practical lessons and 6 (optional) practice sessions. There are also two (optional) social events in weeks 2 and 5, and lessons are available as catch up videos throughout the course. You'll be joining an awesome, diverse community of amazing, friendly women who also meet online weekly to play chess and chat.

This course will help you learn an 'opening repertoire' with the Black pieces. When we have White, we can choose the first move and have some control over the course of the game that way. As Black, we need to know how to respond to a variety of possible opening moves from White. A repertoire for Black is a series of moves which means you know what to do withe Black pieces at the beginning of the game. This course comes with video catch up and written notes, in case you miss any sessions. This modular course is particularly suitable if you know you might miss some sessions, since each lesson also works as a stand alone unit.

We will be looking at openings for Black in an interactive way, with example chess positions and assisted practice. You will improve your chess knowledge and skill, and have a lot of fun along the way. We will aim to finish the course knowing how to respond with the Black pieces to White's four most popular opening moves and continuations.

Week 1: Pawn to e4 and important opening principles (available on video catch up)

Week 2: More Pawn to e4... It's a really popular first move! (available on video catch up)

Wednesday 20th July Week 3: Pawn to d4

27th July Week 4: Knight to f3

3rd August Week 5: Pawn to c4 - how to respond to The English Opening

10th August Week 6: Course Review and what to do when things go wild!

You don't need a chess board, or anything other than an internet connection and a computer, laptop or tablet (a phone is okay, but perhaps a bit small).

You'll save money by booking early and getting the Earlybird discount, thank you (you'll receive your joining information at the email address you used to book/pay with, which may not be your main email address - please check). Any questions at all, please do email Amanda at casualchesscafe@gmail.com - if  your questions is, 'Can I do this course if I only know how the pieces move/if I'm going to miss some lessons?' the answer is, YES, absolutely! :)