GEAR
Essential Equipment by Phase
Phase 1
Board & Set
A standard tournament-size chess set and board (physical or a free account on Lichess.org or Chess.com), plus a notation scoresheet pad for recording practice games.
Phase 2–3
Puzzle & Study Tools
A tactics trainer (Lichess Puzzles or Chess.com Puzzles, both free), and access to a database of annotated master games for pattern study.
Phase 4
Clock & Analysis Engine
A digital or analog chess clock for time-control practice, and a free engine (Stockfish via Lichess analysis board) for post-game review.
VIDEO
Recommended Channels
GothamChess
Engaging, beginner-friendly explanations of openings, tactics, and general improvement strategy.
Hanging Pawns
Structured, methodical instruction well-suited to the strategic and positional concepts in Phase 3.
Saint Louis Chess Club
High-quality instructional lectures spanning tactics, strategy, and endgame technique from strong titled players.