Weekly Chess Study Routine for Beginners
“Don’t try to win the day—try to win the week.”
Consistency is the secret. Set weekly targets, track your progress, and improve steadily.
If you’re just starting out and already know the basics, here’s a structured weekly study plan designed to help you build a solid foundation and develop into a serious chess player.
1. Play 10–12 Serious Rapid Games Weekly 
Aim to play at least 2 serious rapid games (10+5) per day across 5–6 days. These should not be blitz games played for fun, but games you approach with focus and discipline.
After each game:
Review it without an engine.
Use your own brain to understand what went wrong or right.
Take notes on recurring mistakes or missed tactics.
Ask your coach or a stronger player to go over the game with you, if possible.
Learning from your own games—and not repeating the same mistakes—is crucial in your chess journey.
2. Tactics and Calculation (Daily Practice)
At the beginner level, most games are decided by tactics. That’s why sharpening your tactical eye should be your top priority.
Solve 25–30 puzzles daily, ideally without moving the pieces (in your head).
Focus on common tactical themes: forks, pins, skewers, discovered attacks, etc.
Gradually move to more complex positions as you improve.
Recommended Resource: The Woodpecker Method – great for pattern recognition and drilling core motifs.
3. Endgame Study (2–3 Hours Weekly)
Knowing how to finish a game is just as important as knowing how to start it.
Focus on mastering:
Basic checkmates: Queen vs King, Rook vs King, Two Bishops mate, etc.
King and pawn endgames: Opposition, triangulation, key squares, etc.
Other Theoretical Endgames
Revisit these regularly to keep them fresh.
Recommended Book: Silman’s Complete Endgame Course – structured by rating levels, perfect for gradual learning.
4. Openings (2–3 Hours Weekly)
At this stage, your goal isn’t to memorize long variations, but to:
Understand opening principles: control the center, develop quickly, ensure king safety.
Know the ideas and plans behind your chosen openings.
Learn typical traps and tactical patterns.
Stick to a few reliable openings and build familiarity through repetition and practical play.
5. Middlegame Planning and Strategy (5–6 Hours Weekly)
Once your tactical foundation is solid, focus on positional play and strategic planning. Start by watching games of masters with commentary to understand:
>>Pawn structures
>>Weak squares
>>Piece activity and coordination
Recommended Channels:
>>ChessFactor
>>St. Louis Chess Club
>>ChessBase India
Always take notes and review them periodically to reinforce your learning.
FINAL THOUGHT
Your progress in chess depends not just on what you study, but how consistently and mindfully you do it. Chess improvement is a long-term journey, and grit, focus, and smart effort will take you further than raw talent.
Stick to your weekly goals, review your performance every weekend, and slowly increase the intensity as you grow.
Let this routine be your roadmap—and remember:
Win the week, and you’ll eventually win the game.
