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How to Introduce Chess to Children

Chess is a two-player board game played on a checkered 8-by-8 square grid. The 16-piece game has been played by children and adults alike for over a millennium. Chess is a war-type game, based on strategy and planning.

Instructions

- 1
  Introduce the 16 pieces to the child. Repeat the names several times to allow time for the child to memorize their titles. After the child has memorized the name of the pieces, explain their importance. Show the child each piece's place on the board, both alone on the board and with the neighboring pieces. Allow the child to set up his side of the chess board, and go over any incorrect placement.
- 2
  Explain the movements of each piece, one at a time on an empty board. This is ideally done with all of the pieces in play. This will allow for explanation of when the pieces cannot be moved. Highlight special movements of pieces, such as castling the king or a pawn being able to move two squares on the first move.
- 3
  Review all of the names, roles and movements of all the pieces. Afterward, play a practice game with the child, correcting any missteps the child may make. Explain as the game progresses how the pieces are moving, why they are moved and how the pieces are captured. This would be an optimal time to explain the nuances of the game, such as who is supposed to go first, where to place captured pieces, or how much is time polite or expected for a turn to take.

Chess & Checkers