The Chess Course – Celebrating 25 Years and More Than 100,000 Copies Sold

Since its first publication in 1999, The Chess Course by FIDE Trainer Praful Zaveri has sold more than 100,000 copies across its editions—a milestone in a publishing journey dedicated to making chess learning accessible and systematic.

The 25th Anniversary Edition celebrates that journey, offering readers a structured companion to help them learn, practise and deepen their understanding of the game.

Written by the Founder of Indian Chess School, the book brings together clear explanations, illustrative examples and exercises that encourage readers to think actively about the positions before them.

From the First Moves to Club-Level Play

Learning how the pieces move is only the beginning. Progress comes from understanding their possibilities, recognising threats and learning to make purposeful decisions.

The Chess Course guides readers through six sections, beginning with an introduction to the game and gradually progressing towards the knowledge required for club-level play.

Examples from master games help readers explore how experienced players think. Exercises provide opportunities to apply those ideas, examine different moves and learn from mistakes.

Through the Glasses of Experience

Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay, India’s third Grandmaster and an Arjuna Award recipient, has reviewed The Chess Course under the title “Through the Glasses of Experience”.

In his review, he explains that chess improvement is possible through a scientific approach, knowledge, passion and hard work. He recognises the book’s contribution to chess literature, highlighting its simple language, hundreds of illustrative examples and gradual progression in difficulty.

He also draws attention to the value of studying examples from master play: they offer readers an opportunity to understand the thinking process of champions.

His closing recommendation is clear:

“Recommended to all players, trainers & parents.”

— Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay

A Companion Between Chess Lessons

A lesson introduces an idea. Thoughtful practice helps a learner understand how to use it.

At Indian Chess School, we encourage students to keep a chessboard beside their book, play through examples and attempt exercises before checking the answers.

To make practice more rewarding:

• Take time to understand the position before choosing a move.
• Look for your opponent’s threats as well as your own opportunities.
• Try to explain why a move works.
• Revisit exercises that you found difficult.
• Bring questions to your next training session.

The aim is to understand the reasoning behind an answer and recognise when a similar idea might be useful in a game.

For Players, Trainers and Parents

For players, The Chess Course offers a structured path for study and revision.

For trainers, its explanations, examples and exercises provide material to support lessons and discussion.

For parents, it creates opportunities to take an interest in a child’s learning. You do not need to know every answer. Asking “What could your opponent do next?” or “What other move did you consider?” can encourage your child to explain their thinking.

A Thoughtful Gift for a Chess Enthusiast

A chess book is something a learner can return to—revisiting an idea, attempting an exercise again or discovering a detail they missed earlier.

Whether purchased for personal study or as a gift, The Chess Course – 25th Anniversary Edition invites readers to spend more time exploring the game.

Explore the Book

Discover The Chess Course – 25th Anniversary Edition in the Indian Chess School online shop:
https://indianchessschool.com/product/the-chess-course-25th-anniversary-edition/

For guidance on choosing suitable ICS books for your child’s current level, please contact Indian Chess School.