Free apps and puzzles
Free chess apps and puzzle sites are a fine way to get started and to practise. Children can learn the moves and drill tactics at their own pace, at no cost. The catch: no one notices when a habit goes wrong, so many kids quietly plateau once the novelty fades.
If you’d like to begin this way, you can create a free White Knight account with guided puzzles, homework and a progress report — and add a coach later.
Video lessons and courses
Recorded videos and courses can explain ideas well, but they’re one-way. Nobody checks that your child understood, answers their questions, or adapts to how they’re doing. Watching is not the same as playing — progress tends to be slow without feedback.
Live coaching with a real coach
A live coach changes everything. They watch your child play, spot the mistakes a child can’t see, explain the “why” behind each move, and keep them motivated week after week — in a small group of peers. It’s the closest thing to a personal chess mentor, online.
This is what White Knight Academy does best: live weekly lessons with vetted coaches, in groups of five or fewer. New students start with a €5 first month.
A simple way to choose
Start free if you just want your child to dip a toe in and practise. Add a real coach the moment you want genuine, visible progress — most families do exactly that. Whatever you choose, everything your child builds carries over.
Why a live coach beats a self-paced app
Apps are great for solo puzzles. But a child learns fastest when a caring human notices, explains and cheers them on.
White Knight AcademyA real coach, live
- Spots mistakes a child can't see themselves
- Lessons paced to your child, not an algorithm
- Real encouragement and accountability each week
- Friends in a small group — social, not solo
- Progress a parent can actually see and trust
Alone with a screen
- Repeats the same mistakes unnoticed
- No one to explain the "why" behind a move
- Motivation fades once the novelty wears off
- More screen time, on their own
- Hard to know if they're really improving
Frequently asked
What’s the best way to learn chess online?
For children, live coaching with a real teacher is the fastest and most enjoyable way — a coach notices mistakes, explains ideas and keeps them motivated. Free apps are great for casual practice alongside it.
Can my child learn chess online for free?
Yes — you can create a free self-study account with puzzles, homework and a progress report, then add a coach whenever you’re ready.
How long does it take to get good?
With weekly coaching and a little practice between lessons, most children are playing confident, full games within a term and steadily climbing in rating.
Is learning online as good as in person?
For chess, yes. Lessons run live on video with a real coach and a small group, and progress is tracked in your parent dashboard — with none of the travel.