FIKRAGO CHESS Blog

Chess guides for every level

Clear, practical articles from the FIKRAGO CHESS team — learn the rules, pick an opening, master tactics, understand ratings and stop throwing pieces away. Every guide ends with a way to practice what you just read, free.

Improvement 8 min

How to Stop Blundering in Chess: 7 Fixes That Actually Work

Blundering pieces? Learn 7 practical, coach-approved fixes for chess blunders: blunder-check routine, CCT scan, slow chess, pencil annotation and more. Stop giving pieces away.

Read the guide →

Guides 7 min

Bullet vs Blitz vs Rapid: Which Chess Time Control Should You Play?

Bullet, blitz or rapid chess? Learn the differences, the time controls (1+0, 3+2, 10+5 and more), which builds which skills, and how to choose your main format.

Read the guide →

Beginner 8 min

Chess Ratings Explained: Elo, Blitz, Bullet, Rapid and What's 'Good'

How does the chess rating system work? Understand Elo, starting ratings, rating floors and ceilings, and what makes a good chess rating online — explained simply.

Read the guide →

Guides 7 min

How Chess Makes You Smarter: 8 Science-Backed Benefits

Chess improves memory, focus, planning and problem-solving. Discover 8 research-backed benefits of playing chess regularly — and how to start for free today.

Read the guide →

Guides 7 min

Play Chess Online Free vs Computer: The Smartest Way to Train

Playing chess against a computer is the fastest way to improve. Learn how to train vs AI the right way: level selection, takebacks, analyzing mistakes and avoiding bad habits.

Read the guide →

Improvement 8 min

7 Chess Tactics Every Player Must Know (With Real Examples)

Master the 7 essential chess tactics: forks, pins, skewers, discovered attacks, deflection, removal of the guard and back-rank mates — with clear examples for each.

Read the guide →

Improvement 10 min

10 Best Chess Openings for Beginners (Easy to Learn, Hard to Beat)

Discover the best chess openings for beginners: the Italian Game, London System, Queen's Gambit and more. Clear plans, simple ideas and zero memorization overload.

Read the guide →

Beginner 9 min

How to Play Chess: The Complete Beginner's Guide (2026)

Learn how to play chess step by step: how every piece moves, castling, en passant, promotion, checkmate and the golden rules beginners must know. Free practice included.

Read the guide →

Reading is step one. Playing is step two.

FIKRAGO CHESS is free forever: rated online games, a four-level training engine, tactics puzzles and pass-and-play — all in your browser.

Play free chess now