This women-only course is ideal for women (only) who only know how the chess pieces move, up to players with up to about 1700 FIDE rating (if you don't know what that means, that's you!). If you ever lose pieces, or get surprised by a checkmate in one move, this is for you. If you've ever experienced that, "Noooooooo!" moment, of losing your queen, you're in the right place. This is also a great way to really focus in on piece movement, if you're brand new to the game.

Even world champions make simple mistakes (called ‘blunders’ in chess). This course will help you to minimise them as much as possible. They are the main cause of lost games for beginners and in speed chess, so you should expect to win a lot more games, afterwards.

The course consists of 10 sessions – 5 interactive, practical lessons, 5 optional practice sessions - plus video catch up/repeat and written notes. The final practice session will have a prize for the person who makes the fewest blunders (regardless of games won/lost)! There will also be an optional social event. You'll be joining an awesome, diverse community of amazing, friendly women. 

Lesson 1

Turn on your blunder alert! Looking at new ways to check everything is safe, every time. When not to protect your pieces!

Lesson 2

Common opening mistakes and how to avoid them. Never lose your central pawn or give up that bishop again!

Lesson 3

Emotional and situational blunders: when and why blunders are provoked. Knowing when to dial blunder alert up to hyperdrive. Get excited...without losing your queen.

Lesson 4

Strategies to avoid ever losing your Queen again – keeping your heart out of your shoes.

Lesson 5

Piece blunders – common oversights and how to avoid them. Honing your directional sense. Spotting situational blunders in advance.

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 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 course has already started?' the answer is, YES, absolutely! :