Getting Started with Gambit: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Users

Welcome to Gambit — your gateway to a smarter, more connected chess experience.

Whether you’re a total beginner, a returning player, or a seasoned tactician curious about what Gambit has to offer, this guide will help you get started quickly and confidently. Our mission is to make online chess engaging, accessible, and intuitive for everyone — and it all begins with your first move.

Step 1: Sign Up and Set Up Your Account

Creating a Gambit account takes just a minute.

1. Visit gambit.ai or download the Gambit app from your preferred app store.

2. Click “Sign Up” and choose your method — email, Google, Apple, or Facebook.

3. Complete your profile:

   • Choose a username (your public chess handle)

   • Upload an optional avatar

   • Set your preferred time zone and language

   • Select your skill level (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Pro)

Bonus: You can enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) during signup for added account security.

Step 2: Learn the Dashboard

Once you’re in, the Gambit dashboard becomes your control center.

Here’s what you’ll see:

• Play Now: Instantly start a quick match with a player of similar rating.

• Training Hub: Access puzzles, tactics, and lessons curated by AI based on your skill level.

• Tournaments: Join scheduled events from local to international levels.

• Community Feed: Explore live games, trending club activity, and chess content.

• Profile & Stats: Track your rating, match history, time spent, and performance graphs.

Step 3: Choose a Game Mode

Gambit offers several play options:

• Quick Match: Start a standard game (Blitz, Rapid, Classical) with auto-matched opponents.

• Custom Game: Set your own time controls and invite a friend or random user.

• AI Match: Practice against bots with adjustable difficulty.

• Puzzle Rush & Tactics Trainer: Perfect for daily practice and sharpening your instincts.

• Tournament Play: Compete in daily, weekly, and themed global competitions.

Step 4: Try the Guided Onboarding (Optional)

If you’re new to online chess, Gambit offers an interactive onboarding journey. This step-by-step experience introduces you to:

• Game rules and chessboard layout

• Move suggestions and alerts

• Key tactics and strategy basics

• Platform navigation and match etiquette

Enable onboarding in your profile settings under “Learning Mode.”

Step 5: Customize Your Experience

Tailor Gambit to fit your preferences:

• Themes & Boards: Choose from dozens of board designs, piece sets, and color schemes.

• Audio & Visuals: Turn on ambient sounds, move effects, or voice move announcements.

• Accessibility: Enable features like colorblind modes, high-contrast boards, screen reader compatibility, or enlarged fonts.

Step 6: Join a Club or Community

Gambit is more than a game — it’s a social platform.

• Join regional or interest-based clubs like “London Blitz League” or “Chess Moms Unite”

• Create your own private club with friends

• Participate in chat forums, coaching rooms, and live Q&A events

• Follow top players, streamers, and coaches for tips and entertainment

Step 7: Analyze and Improve

After each game, Gambit offers AI-powered post-match analysis:

• See your blunders, mistakes, and brilliant moves

• Get move-by-move suggestions on what could’ve been better

• Understand your most common weaknesses and trends

Over time, the AI adapts to your style and offers smarter insights, opening suggestions, and curated lessons.

Step 8: Play and Progress

As you play more matches, Gambit tracks your growth with:

• Elo-style rating system (with separate ratings for each time control)

• Achievement badges for milestones and performance goals

• Leaderboards to see where you stand in your region or globally

Step 9: Participate in Events and Earn Rewards

Gambit hosts regular events including:

• Weekly Challenges: Win 5 matches in a row, solve 100 puzzles, etc.

• Themed Tournaments: Chess960, Bullet Wars, or Country vs. Country

• Seasonal Ladders: Climb tiers by winning matches over time

Rewards include badges, limited-edition themes, profile flair, and—coming soon—real-world prizes and tokens.

Step 10: Stay Connected

Never miss a match, challenge, or club message:

• Enable push/email notifications for invites and updates

• Sync your calendar with tournament schedules

• Use the Gambit mobile app for on-the-go play and analysis

Conclusion: Start Your Journey Today

Gambit isn’t just a chess app — it’s your personal coach, your competitive arena, and your global chess community, all rolled into one.

Whether you’re learning the basics or battling for leaderboard supremacy, Gambit gives you the tools, support, and community to thrive.

So, ready to make your first move?

♟ Sign up, jump in, and play smarter — with Gambit.