Animiation

Tutorials and Lessons

3D Studio Max Lesson 1.1: A Basic Overview of 3DSMax's Main Tool Bar
3D Studio Max Lesson 1.2: Tool Tabs Overview

Chess Pawn Creation This is a starting point to make all of the chess pieces, good basic modeling techniques.
Chessboard Creation Tutorial on creating materials and applying them to objects.


Blueprint Set Up If you are really interested in designing an accurate model, get a blueprint drawing and set up your workspace to draw from it.

Links

Introducing 3ds Max 9: 3D for BeginnersAn e-book for version 9 of 3ds Max, most should work with the newer version.
Free Tutorials] A lot of free tutorials. I usually teach myself by doing the tutorials.