Stage 3 Learning Outcomes

Our "Stage 3" Squad is suitable for students ranging from 600 - 1100 rating points.

These students are taught at another whole new level focussing on long-term strategic play. The "Stage 3" Programme provides continuity for the students that have completed the "Stage 2" Programme but also offers an option for kids that have good Chess experience  and are regularly participating at a chess club (3+ years).

By the end of the "Stage 3" program you should expect to have learned:

Openings

Openings & Middle-Game

Be able to understand and implement typical middle-game plans in the following assymetrical openings:

  • French Defence
  • Accelerated Dragon Defence
  • Sicilian Rossolimo Defence
As part of this study we will look at typical middle-game plans and the correct strategies for both White and Black.

Tactics

Progressing from elementary tactics to examing more advanced tactics and combinations:

  • Pawn Combinations
  • Smothered Mate
  • The Windmill
  • Back Rank Combinations
  • Opening Traps
  • The Use of Traps
  • Stalemate Combinations

Attacking

Attacking

Once students' have a strong grip on tactical possibilities, we move to developing an understanding of how to develop a successful attack:

  • The Pawn Wedge on f-, g- and h-files

Strategy

Strategy Foundation

Continuing the foundation work from Stage 2, students will further their strategical understanding of Chess:

  • Weak Squares/Magic Squares
  • Gambits
  • Pawn Weaknesses
  • Exploiting Weaknesses
  • The 7th Rank

Endgames

Endgames

Develop practical endgame skills to improve students' chances at the end of the game

  • The Wrong Bishop
  • Fortress