Stage 4 Learning Outcomes

Our Stage 4 Squad is suitable for students ranging from 750 - 1350 rating points.

These students are taught at another whole new level focussing on long-term strategic play. The Stage 4 Programme provides continuity for the students that have completed the Stage 3 Programme but also offers an option for already strong chess players that are regularly participating in a local chess club and open tournaments (4+ years).

By the end of the "Stage 4" program you should expect to have learned:

Openings

Openings & Middle-Game

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

  • Caro-Kann Defence

  • Pirc Defence

  • Alekhine's Defence

  • Scandanavian Defence

As part of this study we will look at typical middle-game plans and the correct strategies for both White and Black.

Attacking

Attacking

Progressing from elementary tactics and combinations to studying methods for attacking with various piece combinations:

  • Destroying the castled position
  • Attacking the king
  • 'Minor' tactics
  • Trapping pieces
  • Calculating short variations
  • Blocking combinations
  • Removing the defence
  • Line clearing
  • Blockade
  • Dragging the king out

Strategy

Strategy Foundation

Continuing the foundation work from Stages 2 & 3, students will further their strategical understanding of Chess with more advanced concepts:

  • Planning in chess
  • Exchanging
  • Priorities and typical mistakes when calculating variations
  • Time in the opening
  • Improving the position of your pieces
  • Closed openings
  • Preventing counterplay
  • Using a lead in development
  • Exploiting weaknesses

Endgames

Endgames

Develop practical endgame skills in the following endgames:

  • Advanced Pawn endings
  • Bishop endings
  • Knight endings
  • Rook against Knight endings