New to chess? Start here
No experience required, no judgment. Tell us who's starting out, and we'll show you where to begin.
An adult is starting out
You're discovering chess, or coming back to it after a break.
A kid is starting out
Your child is interested in chess and you're looking for the best way to support them.
For adults starting out
The 5-step path
0/5 steps completed
How each piece moves
Click a piece, then a highlighted square to move it and see its possible moves. Explore freely.
Touch the white piece, then a highlighted square.
Learn how to start a game well
Three simple reflexes (center, development, king safety) that are enough to play your first moves well.
Read the article →Spot your first classic trap
Scholar's mate: a four-move trap every beginner meets sooner or later, and how to never fall for it.
Read the article →Your first interactive lesson
Follow the position move by move and discover a classic tactical pattern, no account required.
Play your first real game
Take on the academy on easy mode to put what you just learned into practice, no pressure.
Play now →Want real guidance?
Riadh, the academy's founder, runs a live coaching session for beginners every Saturday at 11am, available with the premium subscription.
See pricingFor kids starting out
Chess is a great way for a child to learn focus, think before acting, and accept losing as part of getting better. You don't need to be a chess player yourself to support them well.
The 4-step path, to do together
0/4 steps completed
Discover together how each piece moves
Click a piece, then a highlighted square to move it. A good way to answer their questions while they explore.
Touch the white piece, then a highlighted square.
A fun first trap to spot
Scholar's mate: a playful classic, perfect for a memorable first win (or loss).
Read the article →A first lesson to follow together
Follow the position move by move and discover a classic tactical pattern, no account required.
Their first real game
Take on the academy together on easy mode, to put what you just discovered into practice.
Play now →A coach dedicated to kids
A coaching session designed specifically for the academy's youngest members runs every Wednesday at 2pm, available with the premium subscription.
See pricingThe questions every beginner asks
I've never played chess, is that a problem?
Not at all: that's exactly why RiaChess exists. The course catalog and articles start from zero.
I'm afraid of being bad and losing every game, is that a problem?
No, and it's completely normal at first. Everyone loses their first games, including the best players in the world. The course catalog and coaching are designed for complete beginners, at your own pace, with zero judgment.
Do I need any specific equipment?
No, everything happens online: a computer or smartphone is enough, no physical board needed.
Can I try it for free?
Yes, account creation is free and instant, no credit card, with direct access to the course catalog.
Concretely, what's free and what's paid?
The free account gives unlimited, immediate access to the course video library, articles, and the tournament calendar. Live video coaching and participation in the academy's internal tournaments are reserved for the premium subscription (€19/month, cancel anytime with one click).
How long does it take to improve?
It varies from person to person, but a few dozen minutes a week is enough to see a real difference in your first games.
What age can a child start at?
There's no strict minimum age: as soon as a child can follow a simple instruction and stay focused for a few minutes, they can start learning the rules.