Expert Chess Guides for Parents & Players
In-depth articles from the ACL coaching team at African Chess Lounge. Understand the benefits of chess, how ratings work in South Africa, and how to choose the right coach for your journey.
Dynamic vs Static Positions in Chess: A 40-Minute Lesson
A ready-to-run coach's lesson for players around 1400: how to tell a dynamic position from a static one, and how each is played — with three replayable model games and two test positions.
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How to Teach a Child to Spot Chess Threats: The LOOK, ASK, ACT Method
A ready-to-run 40-minute lesson for coaches and parents that fixes the most common junior mistake — missing when a piece is under attack — with a spoken routine, verified board positions and six drill puzzles.
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Understanding Compensation in Chess
Learn how activity, king safety, and static and dynamic advantages can make up for sacrificed material.
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Cape Town Chess League Just Got Easier
A free league tracker built by African Chess Lounge president Shaun Somai brings Cape Town's club chess fixtures, results, standings and team performance into one place — for players, parents and captains.
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Benefits of Chess for Children: A Parent's Guide
Discover how chess develops cognitive skills, academic performance, emotional resilience, and social confidence in children — backed by research and over a decade of coaching experience.
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Chess Ratings Explained: FIDE vs CHESSA Ratings in South Africa
Understand how chess ratings work in South Africa — the difference between CHESSA and FIDE ratings, how they're calculated, and what they mean for your chess journey.
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How to Choose a Chess Coach in Cape Town: A Complete Guide
What to look for in a chess coach — qualifications, teaching style, programme structure, and red flags. A practical guide for parents and players in Cape Town.
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Chess Openings for Beginners: 5 Principles Every Player Should Know
Stop memorising moves and start understanding principles. Learn the five foundational opening principles that guide every strong chess player's first moves.
Read articleChess Tactics Explained: Forks, Pins, and Skewers
Tactics decide most chess games. Learn the three fundamental tactical weapons — forks, pins, and skewers — with clear examples that every player from beginner to club level must know.
Read articleHow to Prepare for Your First Chess Tournament
Everything you need to know before your first rated chess tournament — registration, what to bring, time controls, etiquette, and how to manage your nerves.
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