Teaching Children to Play Chess
Chess online, Chess Academy, Quick Chess, LEGO Chess and chess books
Despite its complexity, it is possible to teach children to play and enjoy chess with some basic resources, including a variety of great chess websites and software.
Chess is experiencing a revival with many schools, including primary schools, establishing chess clubs. Playing chess well involves more than knowledge of the pieces, moves and strategy of the game itself. Good memory, logic and concentration skills are also vital in a successful chess player.
Draughts, backgammon, Chinese checkers and other similar games are a wonderful way of introducing basic strategy and logic games to children.
For more specific instruction, the following resources may be of assistance:
ChessKids Academy (online at chesskids.com)
Designed to teach children how to play chess, this site includes downloadable books on the rules of chess, online chess games and miscellaneous online games to enhance skills such as memory and concentration. This is a well-rounded site that provides information for parents, an outline of the benefits of learning to play chess, a structured chess tutorial program that can be pursued up to the desired level of skills and downloadable forms and information to help establish a school chess club.
Quick Chess by Interplay (instructional board game)
Adapted to help young children learn how to play step by step, this game includes a double-sided playing board. The beginners’ side, with only 30 squares, is used to play a series of introductory chess games where the moves and strategies related to each piece can be learned. After the basic moves and manoeuvres have been established, the board can be turned over to the full-sized 64-square playing surface. A guidebook is included, which can be unfolded and placed underneath the playing board with a margin demonstrating the way each piece moves.
The manufacturer recommends this game for children from age 5 and it is also suitable for adults who would like to learn.
LEGO Chess (PC software)
This program provides an interactive and visually interesting way for young children to develop chess skills. Players can choose from a Wild West or Pirate, theme with the various pieces represented by Lego characters. There is a step-by-step tutorial for beginner players and it is possible to set higher skill levels for more advanced or experienced players.
Chess Books
A variety of chess books for children are available and it is probably best to choose one that is appropriate for the age of the child. Chess Academy recommends Chess Book. Move One by Richard James, founder of the Chess Academy site (this book is no longer available new) or Everyone’s 2nd Chess Book (Thinkers' Press, 2000) by Dan Heisman. DK Superguide: Chess (Dorling Kindersley, 2001) by Michael Basman provides information on the history of the game as well as instructions on how to play and advanced chess skills.
The most useful resource for a young chess player is a more experienced player to instruct and assist him as he develops his strategy and playing skills. If no family or friends have the necessary time or skills to assist a young player and there is no school chess club available, information about local chess groups and competitions can be found on the Australian Chess Federation. Information on groups in other countries can be found through the chess clubs links website.
