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