.png)
In traditional chess, the student memorizes.
With the Color Method, the student understands.
.png)
The red color applies to pieces that are poorly placed or still on their starting squares, where their influence is limited. They need to be developed to take part in the game.
The Red Piece
Orange applies to transitional pieces — those that are finding their place and starting to take part in the game, though not yet fully effective.
The Orange Piece
The green color represents pieces that are well-positioned and connected. They cooperate effectively and are prepared to attack.
The Green Piece
Finally, neon green represents the dominant pieces, those that have broken into the enemy camp and are leading the assault.
The Neon Green Piece
Example explained
We will learn how to read a position by discovering each color, one by one.
The color red
Both sides have red pieces: the bishop on c8 and the rooks on a8 and a1 have never moved from their starting squares, so they are inactive.
The knight on h2 is also red because it is placed on the edge and has very little effect on the game.
Knight on the rim, grim!
The color orange
Here, several pieces are orange: the kings, whose defenses are weakened; the knight on c2, on its way toward the center; the bishop on e2, blocked by its pawns, controlling few squares and lacking activity; and the rooks on f1 and f8, with no open files, still waiting for their moment to act.
The color green
There is only one green piece in this position: the knight on e5. Central and active, it radiates across the entire center of the board, in contrast with the orange, more passive knight on c2. Black also has two green pawns, on f5 and c5, which actively contribute to controlling the center.
The neon green color
Finally, let’s move on to neon green, the color of invasion! Black has a bishop on d2 supported by a passed pawn on e3, both in neon green. White also has its own invaders: the pawns on d5 and b5, firmly established in Black’s camp.
The benefits of the Color Method
Clear Visual Framework
Evaluate positions intuitively: spot the strengths and weaknesses of your position at a glance.
Simplified Decisions
Simplify your choices by immediately identifying the part that requires attention.
Smart Prioritization
Learn to act in the right order: improve the red and orange pieces before aiming higher.
Identify Weaknesses
Identify your red pieces and your opponent's.
Deep Understanding
Improve your decision-making and strategic understanding
Dynamic and Efficient
Promote a more active, more logical and above all… stronger playing style!
My services
.png)
Personalized online courses
Take it to the next level with the Color Method: analyze your weaknesses, refine your strategy and improve your decision-making thanks to a clear, visual and effective system.
.png)
The Color Method in videos
The method is explained step by step in a clear, fun, and engaging format, in collaboration with APP24, and created in partnership with MI Pierre Peticunot. Ideal for those who prefer learning through video.
.png)
What the students say...
_edited.png)
Victor M. 7 years old
The method helps me develop my pieces better when I run out of ideas in the game.
_edited.png)
Anna N. 13 years old
The color method helped me a lot, because you can identify the problem of a position and solve it effectively.
_edited.png)
Vincent B. 25 years old
Thanks to the colors, I can immediately see which piece to move.
Every move has meaning, and I build my position step by step.
_edited.png)
Monika A. 48 years old
When I'm stuck, I think about colors. It helps me structure my thoughts, move forward in the game, and make progress, even if it's in small steps.
_edited.png)
About me
I’m Lara Hernandez, creator of the Color Method.
A Candidate Master and former French U18 Champion, I now play in the Top 16 league with the Tremblay-en-France club. For over ten years, I’ve been teaching chess to students of all ages — children and adults alike — with one simple goal: to make strategy come alive and feel intuitive.
With a background in law, I combine the rigor of legal thinking with the creativity of the game.
My ambition? To make chess accessible, lively, and understandable for everyone.