5 Ways To Get My Kids Into Chess
4 September 2023
Chess is an excellent game for children and adults of all ages to play. It has been found to improve concentration, problem-solving skills and overall intelligence. If you are keen to get your kids into chess but not sure where to start, read on for some suggestions.
Start with a simple game like draughts
Draughts - also known as Checkers - is a good starting point for kids who are interested in chess. It’s easier to learn as all the pieces are the same and move the same ways - until a piece reaches the other side of the board, when it is “crowned” and gains extra powers. This is a good way for children to understand the basic strategies involved in a game like chess without having to grapple with the complexity of the rules about how different pieces can move. Once they have mastered draughts, they can move on to chess. Draughts is a great way to introduce your kids to the game without overwhelming them, and it’s a lot of fun.
Introduce it at a young age
If you want your kids to get into chess, you should introduce them to the game at a young age. The younger they are when they start learning, the easier it will be for them to pick up the concepts. Many schools now offer chess clubs for kids, and there are also lots of books and online resources that can teach them the basics of the game. However, if they seem bored or overwhelmed, it may be better to wait and try again when they’re a little older.
Play chess together as a family
Chess is a great game to play as a family. Sit down together and learn the basics of the game, then take turns playing against each other. You'll be surprised at how quickly your kids pick up the game. Seeing older siblings and their parents enjoying chess will motivate younger children to learn to play and compete.
Watch professional chess games
There are lots of exciting professional chess tournaments happening all over the world and many of them are televised or streamed online. This will show kids that there is more to the game than just moving pieces around a board. They'll see that there is strategy involved and a dedicated global community of players and fans. This should pique their interest and get them interested in playing themselves.
Sign them up for a chess class
If you want to give your child a head start, sign them up for a chess class taught by an experienced instructor. They'll learn all the rules of the game and how to strategise at their own pace. This is a great option for kids who are serious about learning the game.
Chess is an excellent game for developing concentration, problem-solving skills, and intelligence in kids of all ages - and it's one that they can enjoy for their entire lives. However, if your child still doesn’t show any interest in chess, it’s best not to push it - they may come back to it when they’re older.