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TONGYAN CHESS 

Overview of Chess Program

TongYan school is thrilled to partner with International Chess Academy (ICA)  and Chess Academy Gagunashvili (CAG) to bring the enriching world of chess to our students. The aim of our chess program is to introduce chess to children of all ages and abilities, providing them with a solid foundation in this exciting game.​

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In Person Chess Programs:
 

CHE101 - Chess Beginner - Age 4+

 This class is designed for kids with no experience in Chess. The curriculum covers:

  • Rules of the game: how pawn/pieces move & and capture; castle, 'en passant', pawn promotion; check; checkmate; notation - chess 'abc'

  • Basic strategy: 

  1. checkmate - is the goal of the game 

  2. development of the pieces 

  3. stalemate 

  4. capturing the opponent pieces 

  5. pieces value (absolute)

 

  • CheckMate Concept (‘how to') 

  1. mate with queen & king 

  2. mate with 2 rooks 

  3. mate with 1 rook and king 

  4. mate traps in the beginning of the game 

  5. mate traps in the middle game

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  • Basic End-Of-Game principles

  1. King becomes very strong at end-of the game

  2. Pawn & King against King

  3. Simple end-game positions for practice


CHE 201 - Chess Advanced Beginner - Age 5+
The curriculum covers:

  • Brief review of chess rules: capture; castle, 'en passant', pawn promotion; check; checkmate; stalemate (all from beginner class)

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  • Basic tactics I (tactical devices to gain material for purpose of later strategic victory)

  1. Pin 

  2. Double attack (i.e. fork)

  3. Discover threat/check/attack (also double check!)

  4. Skewer

 

  • Basic tactics II (simple combinations) 

  1. Piece values (relative to each other, position) 

  2. Unique piece combinations (i.e. Bishop, rook, etc.) 

  3. Deflections, Decoys, “In-Between moves,” Overloads

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  • End-Of-Game (continue)

  1. Rule of the square of the pawn

  2. Zugzwang (possible in middlegame, probable in most endgames)

  3. Tempi (Triangulation as a means of losing tempi at end to force Zugzwang)

Online Chess Programs:

 

With our online chess program, we prioritize flexibility and convenience, allowing students to learn from the comfort of their own homes. We understand the importance of personalized attention, which is why we maintain small class sizes of 3-5 students per class. This ensures that each student receives individualized instruction and ample opportunities for interaction and engagement.

CHE301 - Chess Intermediate - Instructor: IM or WIM

-Elements of tactic
1. Double attack – tactical weakness
2. Focal points – classical bishop sacrifition
3. Elements of tactic – repetition


-Elements of strategy
4. Strategy of attack – opposite castles, the king in the centar
5. Open lines – breakthrough to the 7th rank
6. Elements of strategy – repetition

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-Elements of endgames
7. Basic principles of endgamess – passed pawn, active king, zugzwang
8. Pawn endgames – the opposition, the rule of the square
9. Rook endgames – Philidor position, Lucena position („the bridge“)
10. Elements o endgames – repetition

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Openings
11. Basic principles of openings – the center, quick development of pieces
12. Ruy Lopez opening – basic ideas
13. The Sicilian defence – basic ideas
14. The Queen's Gambit – basic ideas

Online Private Chess Classes:
 

In addition to our small group classes, TongYan School proudly offers private chess lessons with highly skilled instructors, including Woman International Master (WIM), International Master (IM), and Grandmaster at competitive rates. Students can receive personalized instruction tailored to their specific needs and goals. Our chess masters from Chess Academy Gagunashvili (CAG) bring their expertise to these private sessions, ensuring a high-quality learning experience. Accelerate your chess progress with one-on-one guidance from our accomplished coaches.

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