Choose the right kind of practice
A standard tournament begins from the normal chess starting position. A thematic tournament begins from selected opening, middlegame or endgame positions, so every game rehearses the lesson's idea.
Use standard play to observe independent decisions. Use thematic play when you want several students to face the same strategic or tactical problem. Rotate colours when the starting position favours one side.
Swiss, round robin or knockout?
| Format | Best classroom use | Planning consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss | Keep a larger group playing for a fixed number of rounds | Allow time to finish and confirm each round before pairing the next |
| Round robin | Give every student a game against every other student | n−1 rounds for an even field; n rounds with one bye for an odd field |
| Knockout | A short competitive bracket | Plan another activity for eliminated students; small groups may need byes |
From lesson plan to invitations
- Choose the students and a time when the group can play together.
- Select the format, rounds and time control. Leave room for explanations and breaks.
- For thematic play, choose or prepare a position set. Check the side to move and choose the position for each round.
- Share the private student invitations. Students join by link without creating accounts.
- Follow boards and standings, use chat for announcements, and bring the group back to a teaching position when useful.
Video, chat, boards and standings together
Solo supports coach video in tournaments, with up to 30 seated players and one active live room. Student cameras are not included in the tournament video policy. The free plan allows one tournament per month for up to eight players, without video.
After play, choose two decisions to review. Ask what each player noticed, compare alternatives on the board, and give the group a position to revisit at the next class.
Put it into practice
Prepare your material for free. When you are ready to teach live, Solo brings the board, chat and video into one workspace. Students enter through your private invitation links.