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About
Forward Chess is the premier destination for chess players who want to study seriously using digital books. The platform hosts hundreds of chess ebooks spanning all skill levels — from beginner fundamentals to grandmaster-level opening theory, endgame technique, and middlegame strategy. What sets Forward Chess apart from standard ebook readers is its built-in interactive chessboard: as you read, every position and variation in the book is playable and explorable directly on an integrated board, eliminating the need to set up a physical board alongside your reading. Publishers available on the platform include top names such as New in Chess, Quality Chess, Mongoose Press, and Chess Stars, ensuring a high-quality and curated library. Users can browse free samples before purchasing to find books that best match their skill level and goals. The platform is accessible via a web app and dedicated mobile apps, making it easy to study on any device. Forward Chess is ideal for club players looking to sharpen their openings, students working through training programs like the Woodpecker Method, and competitive players studying endgames or specific structures. Gift cards are also available, making it a popular choice for chess communities and coaches. Whether you're an amateur aiming for improvement or an experienced player diving deep into theory, Forward Chess provides an unmatched interactive study experience.
Key Features
- Interactive Board Integration: Every position and variation in a book is playable directly on an integrated chessboard, so you never need to set up a separate board while studying.
- Curated Library from Top Publishers: Hundreds of ebooks from leading publishers including New in Chess, Quality Chess, Mongoose Press, and Chess Stars, covering all levels and topics.
- Free Sample Browsing: Preview any book with a free sample before purchasing, helping you find the right resource for your skill level and study goals.
- Multi-Platform Access: Available as a web app and dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android, so you can study chess wherever you are.
- Gift Cards: Purchase gift cards of any value for friends, family, or chess club members — a perfect present for any chess enthusiast.
Use Cases
- A club player systematically studying chess openings using publisher-quality theory books with an interactive board to replay every line.
- A beginner working through foundational endgame books like '100 Endgames You Must Know' and practicing each position on the built-in board.
- A chess coach recommending specific ebooks to students, who can access and study the material on their phones or tablets.
- A competitive player preparing for tournaments by studying grandmaster game collections and specific pawn structure books.
- A chess enthusiast gifting Forward Chess gift cards to friends or family members who want to improve their game.
Pros
- Unique Book + Board Experience: The seamless integration of an interactive board within the ebook reader is unmatched, making study sessions far more practical and effective.
- Premium Publisher Selection: The library features books from the most respected chess publishers in the world, ensuring high-quality, instructive content.
- Cross-Platform Availability: Access your library from any device — desktop browser, iPhone, or Android — keeping your studies consistent wherever you go.
Cons
- Pay-Per-Book Model: Books must be purchased individually with no subscription option, which can add up quickly for avid readers building a large library.
- No AI-Powered Features: The platform focuses on interactive ebook reading and does not include AI analysis, personalized recommendations, or adaptive training tools.
- Limited Free Content: Free access is restricted to samples only; full books require purchase, making extensive exploration costly before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Forward Chess different from reading a regular chess PDF?
Forward Chess embeds an interactive chessboard directly in every ebook, so you can click on any move or variation and see it played out on the board in real time — no separate board or software needed.
Can I try a book before buying it?
Yes. Every book on Forward Chess offers a free sample so you can preview the content and style before making a purchase.
What publishers are available on Forward Chess?
Forward Chess carries books from leading chess publishers including New in Chess, Quality Chess, Mongoose Press, Chess Stars, and more.
What platforms does Forward Chess support?
Forward Chess is available as a web app accessible from any browser, as well as dedicated apps for iOS and Android devices.
Is there a subscription plan or do I buy books individually?
Currently, books are purchased individually. There is no subscription plan, but gift cards of any value are available for purchase.
