WPL's Chess Guide

Thanks to the hit Netflix series The Queen's Gambit, Chess has become the game to learn. Where do you go when you need resources to help you learn something? The library, of course! WPL has several books about Chess, for both beginners and those looking to improve their game. Additionally, we are hosting a Beginner Chess class on Zoom this winter where you can learn the fundamentals of this complex game. We also have Chess tables and sets that you can practice with at the Main Library. 

Beginner Chess 

Tuesdays, Dec. 7, Jan. 4, & Feb. 1
7:00-8:15
Zoom

Register here

Attend this three-part online class to learn the fundamentals of chess. You will learn the basics, including:

• Setting up the chess men
• Using the pawns
• Chess pieces and how they move to win
• Special moves
• Ten tips for playing a better game
• How to win a game of chess in 4 moves

Students need access to Zoom. Since teaching is done online with examples, interaction, animations and quizzes, a chess set is not necessary. Open to ages 16 and older.

Instructor Glenn Davison presents this class with the enthusiasm of a lifelong chess player who plays often and offers many interesting details about the game of chess. He has taught dozens of chess classes to beginners and has been a member of the Massachusetts Chess Association and the US Chess Federation.

Chess Tables at the Main Library

Improve your game by practicing at one of the Chess tables at the Main Library, available on the first and third floors. A Chess set is always set up on the first floor, and more are available to borrow at the welcome desk and third floor reference desk. 

If you'd like a break from Chess, try one of the other games at the Board Game Center on the first floor: Sorry: Simpson's Edition, Stratego, Battleship, Uno, Red Sox Monopoly, Trouble, Scrabble (Russian & English), Clue, Catchphrase, Checkers, Toppling Tower and Scattergories. 

Learn the Game 

Borrow these books and many more with a CWMARS library card. Need a card? Sign up for free! Click here for more information.

Magnus Carlsen's Most Instructive Games 

Study the tactical wizardry, strategic inventiveness, technical expertise and legendary fighting spirit of Magnus Carlsen, the greatest Chess player of the 21^st century. 

The Lasker Method to Improve in Chess 

An efficient toolkit as well as an entertaining guide that teaches amateurs that they shouldn’t waste energy on rote learning but just strive for a good grasp of the basic essentials of endgame play, strategy, openings, tactics and defense. 

Training with Moska: Practical Chess Exercises

With his famous light touch and humor, Moskalenko explains the themes and concepts of his countless subjects in great detail. Subsequently, he presents a multitude of typical examples and rounds off with large exams to test your understanding.

300 Most Important Chess Positions 

An guide to understanding the most important Chess positions in the opening of a game, the middle game and the endgame.

How to Play and Win at Chess 

Rules, skills and strategy, from beginner to expert, demonstrated in over 700 step-by-step illustrations.