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.

Links

Introducing 3ds Max 9: 3D for BeginnersAn e-book for version 9 of 3ds Max, most should work with the newer version.