New to Mind Sports?
Everything you need to get started — from picking your first game to playing your first tournament
Guides for new players
Which mind sport is right for you?
Not sure where to start? We break down the key differences between chess, Go, Scrabble, bridge and more — so you can find the game that fits your personality and schedule.
How to find your first tournament
Playing your first tournament is easier than you think. Here's what to expect, how to enter, and how to make the most of the experience — whatever your level.
Mind sports for children and schools
Chess, Scrabble and Go are proven to improve concentration, problem-solving and resilience. Here's how to introduce mind sports to children and find school programmes.
Online vs in-person: what's the difference?
Both have their place. Online play is convenient and great for practice. In-person events offer the social side that makes mind sports special. Here's how to get the best of both.
Understanding ratings and rankings
Most mind sports use a rating system to measure your progress and match you with players of similar strength. Here's how ratings work across chess, Go, bridge and more.
Mind sports for adults returning to play
Played chess as a child and want to get back into it? Or curious about bridge after retirement? Here's how to pick up a mind sport as an adult — at any age.
Quick-start tips
One tip to get you started in each sport
Start with the rules, then play 10 games online before your first club visit. Lichess is free and excellent for beginners.
Learn the two-letter words first — there are about 100 of them and they unlock huge scoring opportunities.
Start on a 9×9 board, not 19×19. The smaller board is faster and teaches the core concepts without overwhelming you.
Find a beginners' course at a local club. Bridge is much easier to learn with a teacher than from a book alone.