The Chess Course Reaches Readers in the UK, Europe and USA

Chess is not merely about finding good moves. It is about developing the habit of thinking before acting.

Many games—particularly at the beginner and intermediate levels—are lost because a player moves too quickly without understanding what has changed on the board.

Before playing your next move, pause and ask yourself these three important questions:

1. What is my opponent threatening?

Always examine your opponent’s last move carefully.

Did it attack one of your pieces?
Did it create a checkmate threat?
Did it open a line for the queen, rook or bishop?
Is your opponent preparing a tactical combination?

Understanding your opponent’s idea is the first step towards finding the correct response.

2. Are any pieces undefended?

Look at every piece on the board—both yours and your opponent’s.

An undefended or inadequately protected piece can become an easy tactical target. Before making your move, check whether any piece is attacked, overloaded or left without sufficient protection.

This simple habit can prevent many avoidable losses.

3. Do I have a check, capture or threat?

Checks, captures and threats are forcing moves. They should always be examined before considering quieter alternatives.

However, do not play a forcing move automatically. Calculate what happens next:

• How will your opponent respond?
• Is the move safe?
• Does it win material or improve your position?
• What will the position look like after the exchange?

Good chess requires both observation and calculation.

Develop the Habit of Thinking

Beginners often focus only on what they want to do. Improving players learn to consider both sides of the board.

Before every move, remember this simple routine:

Observe. Think. Calculate. Move.

At Indian Chess School, students are taught not only what to play, but also how to think. Our structured curriculum develops observation, calculation, decision-making and confidence—skills that are valuable both on and off the chessboard.

Chess improvement begins with one good habit: think before you move.

To learn chess through a structured programme, book a free trial class with Indian Chess School.

Visit: www.indianchessschool.com or call Prisha on +91-9372975330

A Day I Will Cherish Forever!!

Some moments in a teacher’s life are simply beyond words.

Today, I had the privilege of visiting Greenwood High International School, Bengaluru, where nearly 1,000 students of Grades I to IV are now learning chess through my curriculum, “The Chess Course for Schools.”

Walking into a classroom filled with bright young minds using a book that I had envisioned, researched and authored was an incredibly humbling experience. Seeing the students actively participating, answering questions with enthusiasm and enjoying every moment of the lesson reminded me why I chose this journey more than three decades ago.

It was an absolute joy interacting with the Grade IV students. Their curiosity, enthusiasm and eagerness to learn made the session truly memorable.

The most touching moment came after the lesson.

As the class concluded, students queued up with their copies of The Chess Course for Schools, eagerly requesting my autograph. One after another, book after book, I signed more than 300 copies! Every signature felt like a blessing! Every smiling face reminded me that a book can inspire far beyond the pages on which it is written!!

For an author, there can be no greater joy than seeing children embrace your work with such affection and excitement. It was an unforgettable celebration of learning, curiosity and the timeless beauty of chess!

My heartfelt gratitude to the management of Greenwood High International School for reposing their faith in our vision of making chess an integral part of education. A special word of appreciation to Somanath Krishnarao, whose passion and dedication have played a significant role in building the school’s vibrant chess culture!

As I left the school today, my heart was filled with immense gratitude and happiness.

Moments like these remind me that writing a book is only the beginning. The real reward comes when it reaches young minds, inspires them to learn, and becomes a part of their educational journey!

I truly feel blessed!! 🙏❤️

♟️ A Landmark Milestone for Indian Chess School ♟️

I am delighted to share that Greenwood High International School, Sarjapur, Bengaluru, has adopted the Indian Chess School (ICS) Chess-in-Schools Curriculum – The Chess Course for Schools for nearly 1,000 students of Grades I and IV.

For Indian Chess School, this is much more than the adoption of a curriculum—it is a significant endorsement of our vision to make structured chess education an integral part of school learning.

Over the last three decades, we have worked towards developing a scientific and age-appropriate chess curriculum that goes beyond teaching the game. Our objective has always been to use chess as a powerful educational tool to nurture:

• Logical Thinking
• Critical Analysis & Decision-Making
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Concentration & Memory
• Creativity & Strategic Thinking
• Confidence & Self-Discipline

These are life skills that extend far beyond the chessboard and contribute meaningfully to a child’s overall development.

What makes this collaboration particularly inspiring is that Greenwood High has embraced chess as a part of its curriculum across Grades I to XII. Such a visionary approach reflects the school’s commitment to holistic education and the development of future-ready learners.

We are grateful to Mr. K. Somanath, In-charge of Chess Activities at Greenwood High, for the confidence he has reposed in the ICS curriculum and for his unwavering commitment to promoting chess education. My sincere appreciation also goes to the Management of Greenwood High for placing their trust in Indian Chess School.

This partnership is only the beginning. Together, we look forward to building a comprehensive Chess-in-Schools ecosystem through teacher training, heritage programs, after-school coaching, tournaments and talent identification—creating opportunities for young minds to excel both academically and competitively.

We are excited to witness the emergence of many future champions from this remarkable group of young learners.

India gave chess to the world. Together, let us bring chess back to every classroom!!

The Making of Shat Shat Vande Chess – Part 1
The Day Sassa Walked Through the Palace Gates
By Praful Zaveri

I began writing Shat Shat Vande Chess in August 2023.
At that time, there was no thought of animation.
No thought of cinema.
No thought of moving images.
There was only a manuscript — and a quiet question that had lived within me for years:
Why does the world not fully know where chess was born?

As the chapters unfolded — from Bharat in the Treta Yuga, to Mandodari’s strategic brilliance, to the journey of Chaturang across Persia and beyond — the book began to take shape.

Yet something felt unfinished.

In August 2024, nearly a year into writing, an unexpected thought arose:
Why should this remain only on paper?

There was no dramatic trigger.
It was simply my nature — once an idea takes root, it must be pursued.

Swami Vivekananda’s words have long inspired me:
“Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life; dream of it; think of it; live on that idea…”

But if I am honest, the true seed of the film was emotional.

For years, while teaching children, there was one chapter that always gave me goosebumps — The Unexpected Challenger.
The moment when the Brahmin sage Sassa arrives at the palace gates.
He is mocked.
He is dismissed.
He is warned.

And when Emperor Chandragupta places a condition before him — that if he loses, he will be beheaded before the entire court — Sassa does not hesitate.
He accepts.

Every time I narrated that moment in class, the room would grow silent.
There is something profoundly powerful about intellectual courage.
About standing at the gates of greatness — knowing the risk — and walking forward anyway.

One evening in August 2024, I suddenly saw it.
Not as text.
But as movement.
Sassa walking slowly through towering palace gates.
Guards watching.
Whispers filling the court.
A lone sage stepping forward into destiny.

That was the first image.

And in that instant, I knew:
This story must be seen. Not just read.

If a 10-year-old child could watch that moment unfold — could feel the tension, the silence, the resolve — perhaps they would understand something greater than chess.
They would understand conviction.

That was the beginning of the film.
Just a sage walking through palace gates… and an idea that refused to remain inside a book!

🎬 SHAT SHAT VANDE CHESS

A Chess Odyssey of Facts & Fables

Indian Chess School is proud to present the official teaser with anthem song of the upcoming film
Shat Shat Vande Chess — a cinematic odyssey that traces the timeless journey of chess.

Rooted in the sacred land of Bharat, the film journeys through mythology, history, and civilizations, narrating how chess evolved from an ancient game of strategy into a universal symbol of intellect, wisdom, and human thought.

Narrated by the Voice of Time, Shat Shat Vande Chess blends facts and fables to honour the profound cultural and philosophical legacy of chess — a game born in India and embraced by the world.

The teaser is accompanied by the anthem “Shat Shat Vande Chess”, a musical tribute expressing gratitude to this eternal game.

▶️ Watch the official teaser here:
https://youtu.be/-EAc0XPAx9Y

We are also delighted to share that the print edition of the book Shat Shat Vande Chess is currently in its final stages of printing and will be released shortly. The film and the book together represent two expressions of the same odyssey — one visual, one literary.

This project is conceived and created by Praful Zaveri, Founder of Indian Chess School, as a tribute to chess and its enduring legacy across ages.

We invite chess lovers, educators, students, and history enthusiasts to experience this journey and share their reflections.

शत शत वन्दे ♟️

Chess: Born in India, Nurturing Minds Worldwide — Bring It to Your School ♟️🌍

Meet Shanaya, one of the bright young learners at Indian Chess School, discovering the joy of chess through engaging, child-centred learning.

Today, schools face the challenge of building strong thinking skills while keeping students motivated. Chess achieves this beautifully — without adding academic pressure.

🌟 Why Schools Should Introduce Chess

✔ Builds logical & critical thinking
✔ Strengthens memory, focus & problem-solving
✔ Encourages discipline, patience & resilience
✔ Teaches decision-making and consequences
✔ Enhances overall academic performance
✔ Promotes confidence, creativity & sportsmanship

At Indian Chess School, we help schools implement a structured, curriculum-friendly chess programme that empowers students with lifelong skills.

📩 prafulzaveri@indianchessschool.com
📞 +91 98205 47548

Let’s bring the world’s smartest game to your classrooms — and inspire a new generation of thinkers!