Chess Encyclopedia

A growing reference for the royal game: the great openings by ECO code, the essential endgames every player must know, and the tactical motifs that decide games. Each page gives the key moves, the ideas behind them, and a board diagram — and every move is replayed through this site's own chess engine, so the theory you see is provably legal.

Openings

Open Games (1.e4 e5)

Semi-Open Games (1.e4)

Closed & Flank Openings

Endgames

Basic Checkmates

Pawn Endgames

Rook Endgames

Queen & Minor-Piece Endgames

Endgame Concepts

Tactics

Fundamental Tactics

Combinations & Sacrifices

Discovered Attacks & Checks

Mating Patterns