West Chess Club teaches chess using the Steps method, which helps students learn at their own pace and level.
This method is one of the most well-known and trusted step-by-step systems for learning chess around the world.
According to the official stappenmethode.nl website:
“The Steps method is a teaching method designed to help children and adults learn how to play chess (better), from beginner to a high level (top 700 of the Netherlands). Many schools and chess clubs in the Netherlands (since 1987), Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and the United States use the method for their chess lessons.”
The method is divided into six steps:
Step 1: Students learn the basic rules—how each piece moves and captures, and the concepts of check, checkmate, and stalemate.
Step 2: Focus shifts to basic tactics and positional play, including double attacks, pins, discovered attacks, and how to defend against checkmate.
Step 3: Builds on earlier tactics with a bit more difficulty. Students start thinking ahead and learn about defending against double attacks and simple pawn endgames.
Step 4: Introduces more advanced tactics and strategy, such as preparatory moves for tactics, dealing with weak pawns, and basic endgame ideas.
Step 5: While tactics are still important, students now also learn more strategic concepts like pawn structure, the power of the seventh rank, strong squares, and open files.
Step 6: A self-study level for pre-master students.
More information from Official Steps-method website.
An article by GM Noël Studer: The Chess Step Method Explained.