Road to Grandmaster: Best Online Chess Classes of 2024

So you’ve seen the Grandmasters staring sternly at their opponent across the board in a battle of pure intellect, and you’ve decided you want a piece of the action? Well, nobody gets to that level overnight, as chess is a skill like anything else, and it’s up to you to practice and master it. This is where online chess classes come into play, as they’re open to everyone of all ages. All you need is a computer and the drive to push yourself.

What to Look For in Online Chess Classes

The world of chess has grown rapidly, thanks to the internet. There are plenty of opportunities to further your game. When looking for classes, there are a few factors you should consider before jumping in headfirst.

Learning the Game vs. Learning the Tactics

When it comes to chess classes online, you can usually split them into two separate groups: learning the game itself and focusing on tactics and strategies. You’ll find this will largely depend on what you want from the lessons, with much of it going back to your current skill level. Typically, though, it’s best to have some basic level of understanding of the game before you attempt to learn advanced strategies such as openings and gambits. After all, you need to know the rules before you can start playing with them.

What to Expect From a Chess Course

Most online chess classes don’t just provide the lessons themselves but a wealth of material around them. You can then put what you’ve learned into practice, giving it some sense of weight and context. Here’s what you should expect to see from your average chess course:

• Lessons: Often structured into sections, you’ll cover each game element relevant to the course. For instance, if it’s on openings, there may be a part on the Sicilian Defense.
• Tests: Practice makes perfect, and nothing’s better for practicing than testing, seeing your skills in play. You may have exams, but no rush as you can do them until you get them right.
• Resources: Many courses will allow you to download transcripts and videos, and this can be vital when learning factors such as board notation and patterns.
• Certificates: Some courses offer these upon completion, and they’re always a welcome bonus, giving something to show for all that hard work.

Course Length

The course’s length will be a huge determining factor, not just in terms of value for money but any personal time-constraints as well. Some classes pack in as much as possible, meaning they’re shorter in length, but having the ability to go back over it indefinitely looking at the puzzles and patterns provided is also useful. You may see an extended course that seems to go on forever, but sometimes it’s a case of quality over quantity.

Looking at the course’s content is essential; seeing what’s on offer instead of the length is a great place to start. It might be a long course, but if it’s a low-ranking amateur rambling on into a webcam for hours on end, then it might not be worth it. You should then look at how you can fit it into your schedule on top of all this. Giving yourself the time to go back over lessons at your convenience until you understand what’s said is vital.

Course Presentation

Courses are generally presented through videos and animations, often giving you the chance to interact with a chessboard yourself. Seeing the moves on-screen, chess is a game that lends itself well to the online learning environment, so make the most of playing by yourself when possible.

Course Title	Platform	Course Level	Course Length	Course Style	Course Rating
I Will Teach You How to Play Chess	Skillshare	Beginner	3h 6m	General Learning	5 of 5
Garry Kasparov Teaches Chess	Masterclass	Beginner to Advanced	7h 20m	General Learning	5 of 5
The Complete Guide To Chess Tactics	Udemy	Beginner to Intermediate	21h 30m	Tactics and Strategy	5 of 5
How To Become A Chess Master	Udemy	Beginner	33h	General Learning	5 of 5
Learn to Play the French Defense Like a Master	Skillshare	Intermediate	2h 16m	Tactics and Strategy	4.5 of 5
From A Novice To A Fierce Competitor	Udemy	Beginner	3h 30m	General Learning	4.5 of 5
Learn To Play Chess Openings Like A Master	Udemy	Intermediate	4h	Tactics and Strategy	4 of 5
Chess.com Lessons	Chess.com	Beginner to Advanced	10h 2m	General Learning	4 of 5
The Slav Defense	iChess.net	Beginner to Intermediate	8h	Tactics and Strategy	4 of 5
From Beginner To Advanced At Warp Speed	Udemy	Beginner to Advanced	3h 30m	General Learning	3.5 of 5
Learn Geometrical Tactical Chess Maneuvers	Udemy	Intermediate	2h	Tactics and Strategy	3.5 of 5

Top 11 Best Online Chess Classes 2024

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1. Best Introduction to Chess: I Will Teach You How to Play Chess

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Why we like it

A short and sweet introduction into the world of chess, this is the perfect stress-free welcome for all newcomers to the game.

A three-hour class from advanced chess player Arne Kähler takes you through the game, giving you a birds-eye view of everything involved. A clear-cut video then simplifies things for those who are just starting and want to learn in a fast, fun manner. Offering pragmatic advice along the way, you should be able to play a full game of chess by the end of this course, along with a few extra winning moves to catch your opponent off guard.

There's also a strong community here, providing plenty of projects and discussions as you all help each other out. With some quizzes as well, you can test your knowledge at the end of it, putting everything you've learned into practice.

How the Course Works

The course itself is a little brief, but you can expect this given it's mainly for introducing newcomers to the game. While more ground could potentially be covered here, what it does do it does well, providing a basic layout of the game and how it plays. At the end of this course, you'll understand how to play chess and what it entails through a well-structured series of lessons.

With twelve chess puzzles to solve, it takes you through the solution step-by-step, ensuring you understand them on every level. Not only that, but it's enjoyable too, as it doesn't forget the game's supposed to be fun, in what are some engaging and practical lessons that will give you the taste for learning more.

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2. Most Professional Chess Course: Garry Kasparov Teaches Chess

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Why we like it

A professional course from one of chess’s leading professionals, Garry Kasparov imparts his well-earned wisdom in a highly eclectic class.

Garry Kasparov needs no introduction, as this former #1 player in the world has gained celebrity well beyond the chessboard. Over the board, he's seen it all, dealing with all manner of attacks, much of which you'll look over as case-studies in the course itself. Breaking down some iconic games of his, you get to formulate your own ideas, empowering your critical-thinking skills in the moment.

Including a sizeable amount of workbooks across multiple platforms, you get something to take away in this self-paced course of considerable length. On top of that, there's a continually active community online to work alongside, which should offer you more than enough friendly competition to help test your newfound skills.

How the Course Works

Garry himself feels like he wants to go deeper at times, which is understandable given a player of his caliber. It sometimes seems that there might be time-constraints, and he's pushed to cover more basic ground to make it more accessible for a broader range. Regardless of whether he's holding back, though, what it does offer is reasonably extensive, and the skill-level does indeed go high. Besides, even if you are advanced, there's always something new you can learn from a legendary Grandmaster such as Kasparov.

From looking at his own journey to breaking down the analysis required for picking apart the game with expert precision, you'll get to see chess through the eyes of a master. Looking at previous games, you get to apply his skills in real-time, with its practical employment of strategies against all manner of attack.

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3. Best for Learning Tactics: The Complete Guide to Chess Tactics

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Why we like it

Become a master tactician, learning how to play several moves ahead, making you a more efficient player in the long-run.

As it says in the title, one of the main goals of this particular course is to study chess tactics, learning how to navigate the board effectively, and outmaneuver the opposition. Everybody dreams of being a master tactician thinking on multiple levels at once, and this should help you get at least some of the way there. Learning to see the many patterns available, you can then plan ahead, identifying and targeting what it will take to get there.

You should know the game basics before starting, knowing the rules, but most of the other students are also relatively new to the game, so it shouldn't be too intimidating. You get a certificate at the end as well, and you can use it on various platforms, making it easy to manage.

How the Course Works

Learning how to force moves is one skill that every serious chess player needs when looking to make a dent in their opponent's defense. The course does this well, even if it can sometimes be a little basic, as there are times it could go a little deeper. Some more practical lessons would've been helpful here too, but this is easy to overlook when it covers so much else in terms of scope, learning tactical motifs such as the decoy, fork, and deflection.

To help you find your playing style, you can analyze different patterns, learning the many names. From this, you then have a learning plan, finding a personal tactical approach of your own.

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4. Most Extensive Chess Course: How to Become a Chess Master

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Why we like it

Taking the most novice player and transforming them into a professional, this course gives you everything you need to take part in serious chess games and tournaments.

With thirty-three hours of video lessons to get through, this is not for those who want a quick and easy set of lectures. Going through the game step-by-step, it's a meticulous course that doesn't leave anything out, elevating you from novice to seasoned champion. On top of that, it's presented by the Academy of Film Fashion and Design, meaning it's easy to follow.

Starting as a complete beginner, you don't need to know anything about the game before taking the course. There's also a certificate when you finish, giving you something to show for all that work, as you'll understand the game inside out.

How the Course Works

There's a total of 114 lectures here, starting with the basics of moving before heading into more advanced territory, such as openings, traps, and combinations. Sometimes the course can be a little slow, as there are a few unnecessary digressions here and there that occasionally hold things up. You can easily overlook this, though, given that it's presented so well, with instructors who are friendly and engaging.

Offering practice tests along the way, you'll be sure to retain everything you've learned, too, with many resources to download. The course is best for players who are in for the duration, and players have improved rapidly.

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5. Best for Learning the French Defense: Learn to Play the French Defense Like a Master

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Why we like it

One of the most popular chess openings, this allows you to master the French Defense like a pro, taking you all the way to the big leagues.

A focused course that's short and to the point, this intensive look at the French Defense is an in-depth study on how you can apply it to your game, using it and counteracting it. Understanding basic strategy and tactics is a prerequisite to getting the most out of this course. Delivered by a tutor with top credentials, it's taught by Greg Vanderford, who organized professional chess programs of his own in the past.

By the end of the course, you should be an expert at this particular opening, knowing precisely how it fits into chess. Using the French Defense yourself, there's also plenty of resources to download and take away, with ten different in-game variations to test your skills.

How the Course Works

There could be a few more challenges, as applying what you've learned is always helpful, but it does provide ten variations of games to test yourself, so it's not too bad. It's solely just for getting to know the French defense and its place in the game, although some more context would be helpful. Still, what it lacks in application to the rest of chess, it more than makes up for in its sense of laser-focused precision.

As a course for learning the French defense, it doesn't waste its time on anything else, delivering a clear and concise analysis. If you have a gap in your knowledge regarding this particular opening, this is undoubtedly the course for you.

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6. Best for Learning Competitive Chess: From a Novice to a Fierce Competitor

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Why we like it

Taking the novice and building them up, this course can take you from absolute beginner to a force to be reckoned with in no time at all.

Everyone dreams of playing at a professional level, and this is the course to help you get at least some of the way there. Taught by International Master Alex Davidovic, it's a course designed for taking beginners right through to playing at a competitive level. The content itself is short, but you'll have plenty of time to go over it, as you're given complete access for life once brought.

Working towards your portfolio, it offers a certificate upon completion, and there are all the relevant resources for downloading too. It also looks at the checkmates and how to push for them, finishing the match in style.

How the Course Works

Overall, it offers a lot of content for a relatively short course, giving you a general overview of the game. You may find the audio is a little off at times, so you'll want to make sure you adjust it accordingly beforehand. It could also be just a little more challenging, as it appears to be holding back when it could easily offer more.

At the end, you also get to pore over the final match Beth Harmon played against Vasily Borgov in the Netflix series 'The Queen's Gambit.' It's a nice bonus and helps put everything into context in a fun and easily digestible manner.

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7. Best for Learning Openings: Learn to Play Chess Openings Like a Master

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Why we like it

From the outset, chess is a game all about gaining the upper hand, and this course will teach you that, showing you how to navigate those all-important first moves.

Knowing how to start a chess match is as important as anything else, as this is where you make the deciding moves. From start to finish, you must break down every move you make towards the endgame, and that's what this course aims to show you. Taught by Udemy chess course regular Greg Vanderford, it's another solid set of lessons from a high-ranking professional.

There's a certificate at the end of it, with some content to download and take away, giving you materials to continue advancing your game. Building upon your portfolio as a chess player, this covers plenty of tactics, such as the French Defense and the infamous Sicilian Defense.

How the Course Works

Looking into the psychological factors when starting a chess game is also essential, as you not only want to gain the upper hand strategically but mentally as well. When you have some idea of what the opponent's thinking, you can then learn how to style an opening, taking it into the game itself, breaking down a series of intricate tactical motifs. While you do get to analyze and focus on the many possible positions, it could do with a little more structure, as there are a couple of digressions that tend to falter the pace.

It does feature everything you need to know when dealing with a professional in a competitive environment. Because of this, you will need some understanding of the game, as it is played at an intermediate level here, but it's not too intimidating, making for a solid look at the world of chess openings.

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8. Best Free Chess Course: Chess.com Lessons

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Why we like it

The Chess.com name is popular in the chess community for elevating the game, making it universally accessible for all, and their fun and involving free lessons are no different.

Something of a celebrity in the world of online chess, Chess.com is dedicated to providing a portal for players to learn and grow. Passionate about the game, it offers practical learning lessons and tasks with animated boards and challenges. There's also the opportunity to play against several different AI bots, all at different levels, with a few challenging some of the most seasoned players.

Everything is clearly organized, and you progress through the course, as your progress is marked down. You need to sign in, though, if you want it to save your progress, although this isn't essential for participating. That said, it is more fulfilling once you're a member.

How the Course Works

As you'd expect with a free series of lessons, it isn't too flashy, but it does cover the bare essentials, giving you a thorough understanding of the game. There's plenty of tactics to look at as well, from openings to endgames, giving you the full scope of the many patterns and strategies available. You can sign up for a paid subscription, too, with three different tiers, regularly offering extra lessons and puzzles.

The free lessons themselves are pretty extensive, though, and provide a great starting point for anyone looking to get into the game. While you may want to gain some professional hands-on help at a later stage, which unfortunately this doesn't offer, what you do get is substantial.

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9. Best for Defeating the Queen's Gambit: The Slav Defense

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Why we like it

The Queen’s Gambit is one strategy that many will find familiar, but here we get to learn about its weakness in the form of the Slav Defense, taking the infamous opening head-on.

So maybe you've seen the Netflix miniseries, and now you want to take on the Queen's Gambit yourself. Taking on Beth Harmon has never been easier than with the Slav Defense. Well, maybe it's not that simple, but it's a start. Taught by Grandmaster Damian Lemos, he uses his expertise to help guide you through this particular maneuver, giving you an in-depth understanding of the opening and the many systems and variations.

It's compatible across various devices, including PC and Apple, in MP4 format, so it's easily accessible. Broken up into six chapters, it's eight hours long, so there's plenty here giving definite value for money.

How the Course Works

It may overwhelm chess novices, so be warned if you're new to the game, as it's best to have a basic level of understanding. Adding to that, while the instruction is clear and concise, it could do with a more polished presentation, with both its sound and visuals lacking. Aesthetics aside, it's a focused course with extensive material providing the opening itself and context regarding its place in the game.

Focused on the Slav Defense, this pretty much covers everything both in and around the opening, leaving little out. There are some lines you can go on to learn yourself following this, but it's a great starter to successfully managing the defense in your game.

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10. Best for Improving Your Game: From Beginner to Advanced at Warp Speed

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Why we like it

This course is excellent for those who want to learn the game immediately, packing in as much content as possible, allowing novices to reach the big leagues in no time at all.

Everyone wants to hit the big time as fast as possible, especially with time constraints being an essential factor to consider. Learning chess can seem like a huge undertaking, but this course quickly builds upon your knowledge with its fast and efficient program. Taught by Greg Vanderford, he's no stranger to the game, with a professional chess background and many other courses provided through Udemy.

While the course itself is short, you get lifetime access, so you need not worry about it all speeding by too fast, as you can do it at your own pace. Offering a certificate upon completion as well, it also comes with plenty of resources to download as you continue learning.

How the Course Works

The presentation is pretty minimal, to the point of lacking somewhat, as the chessboard isn't animated, which can be a problem at times. The PGN needs some work, as the notation is sometimes a little unclear, but the course overall isn't, more than making up for it. Articulate and straight to the point, it leaves little out when offering tactical strategies for those with little to no formal training.

This course allows players to create their own unique approach to the game, developing ideas and strategies from the ground up. It also provides plenty of room to continue growing, giving the player the tools for competing professionally above and beyond.

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11. Best for Visualization: Learn Geometrical Tactical Chess Maneuvers

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Why we like it

Looking at the interlinking of the pieces on the board, this provides an overview for perceiving the best strategy in any given game.

Learning to make your pieces interact is one key to success in the world of chess, as it's a game all about precision. Connecting everything on the board, and this short and concise course delivers their relationships, giving you several different patterns and motifs to use. Taught by two coaches who've played at a competitive level, Viktor Neustroev and Mark Eremenko manage the course.

There may only be two hours, and it could be a little longer, as there's a lot more room to expand, but you do get full lifetime access to return to it when you want. On top of that, you also receive a certificate of completion.

How the Course Works

With one for each motif, there are five sections overall. You have around three to four tutorials in each, all analyzing different chess puzzles. Giving a reasonably comprehensive overview of the board, it manages to encompass a whole range of moves and strategies. The audio could be a little louder, as it's difficult to hear at times, so you might need to turn the volume up a bit.
You don't want to go into this without any prior chess knowledge, so it's best that you at least know the game first. Giving you the tools you need to learn more, this short course opens up some intriguing avenues and ideas to explore.

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Online Chess Classes FAQ

Whether you’re stepping into the world of chess for the first time, or you already know the basics, there’s bound to be a few questions you have about learning online. Here we’ll cover some of them.

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