Here’s How Kids Can Learn to Play Chess for Beginners

Learning how to play chess sets kids up with the decision-making skills to change their entire lives. While learning the game of chess may be intimidating, there are simple ways that beginners can learn chess without stress. We will cover beginner chess strategies, kids chess sets and more ways that the entire family can embrace the beginners chess game.

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Why Learning Chess is Good for Kids

Making decisions is notoriously hard, for my kids. Ask them what they want for supper, or which of two things they would prefer. Usually, I’ll get an “Ummm…”, if I’m lucky.

Related: Funnest board games

When the kids go to bed, I have been watching The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix. I just can’t get enough! It is the story of a young orphan’s rise to stardom as a chess prodigy. Obviously, there are some downfalls to such a life. What struck me, though, is Beth’s amazing ability to make decisions. That is a key skill in learning how to play Chess!

How to Learn Chess

Learning how to play chess can seem daunting, even for adults! So many different pieces move in different ways! Fear not! Anyone can learn to play chess. It is never to early or late in life for learning the game of chess. Encouraging high level thinking is critical at any stage in life.

Steps to Learn Chess The Easy Way

1. Start the game off slowly, with Pawns only!

1. Start with the easiest piece! Take turns moving one pawn forward, one space at a time. Then, let them “capture” one of your pawns, diagonally!
2. Next, set the pieces up on the second row, as they would in a regular game, and teach that the very first move can be two spaces. But, only the first move of each pawn.
3. Once the pawn is mastered, it’s time to add new pieces!

2. Introduce the Bishops and the Rooks

1. So, your kid is beating you with only pawns, and you need to bring in other pieces. Been there! The next ones to introduce are the Bishop and the Rook! You can break this into two steps, if you need, and play with one at a time, alongside the pawns.
2. Place these pieces in their positions on the board. The rooks go at either corner, behind the pawns of the same color. Skip one space, and then add the Bishops, between.
3. Now you introduce these pieces movement! The Rook can go straight forwards, or backwards, and side to side. The Bishop can move diagonally.
4. It helps my kids to see diagonally as the bishop can move to spaces of the same color, only. And then the rook has to change colors, each time, in the same direction.
5. Play so that you try to be the last person with a piece on the board.

3. Time for the Knight to join the Game!

1. The knight’s movements can be complicated. It has to go two spaces in one direction, and then one space in a perpendicular direction. Take time with your child, and one knight on the board, to make as many connecting Ls as you can. The L-shape movement of the knight makes it as fun as it is troublesome to learn.
2. Next, pick a spot on the board and have them try to get there, using different L shapes.
3. After they get this, you’re almost ready for a full game! Play a few rounds with the Pawns, Rooks, Bishops, and Knights available.

4. Teach Check and Checkmate

1. With only four pawns per color, the two rooks, introduce the King and Queen. Reveal that the King is the target, and you must capture him. Using two simple pieces, the pawn and rook, makes it easy to now focus on the Queen, who can move in any straight line.
2. Learning to use the queen, and not forget about the opponent’s queen, is crucial! Play several games, in this style. Learning that the King is always in danger helps to develop the skill of thinking ahead!

5. Turning a Pawn into a Queen

At this step, you can also teach that getting one pawn to the other side of the board will turn it into a queen! This game style makes it possible to have several queens on the board at one time without it being overwhelming.

Finally: Play A Full Game of Chess!

It is time to bring it all together, now! Place all of the pieces on the board, and let the battle begin! Make sure to keep things fun and upbeat, and to leave opportunities for them to capture your pieces.

Remember, if your child wants to go back to playing without any of the more complicated pieces, like knights, that’s ok! They can always add those pieces back to their games when they are ready.

WikiHow has a really great guide to teaching kids to play Chess, if you would like more information!

What is the real Queen’s Gambit?

I am far from a master of chess. I have never been able to pull off a Queen’s Gambit, even against my kids! Check out this video that does a great job of explaining it.

The Best Chess Sets for Kids

Getting started with the right chess set really helps kids to get drawn in! That initial interest is key to building a lifelong love of Chess.

This outdoor chess set is even bigger, but needs a space to be devoted to it. Definitely something I’ll consider if my kid’s are still playing chess, this time next year!

Playing Chess Just Like In ‘The Queen’s Gambit’

Learning to play chess doesn’t happen overnight. It will take some time for your children to build their skills. That is the most important part, though.

Even more important than technical knowledge of how to play chess is the decision-making skills they are building.

Alongside that, chess builds crucial abilities to think ahead and make strategies. Even if they are not a prodigy, learning to play chess can change their life, forever.

More Games & Strategic Fun from Kids Activities Blog

• If you are looking for more family fun that includes strategy, check out our favorite board games for kids.
• Struggling to not lose pieces? Check out our best board game storage ideas.
• These fun games for kids are things that will keep them active indoors.
• One of our most popular articles here at Kids Activities Blog is our easy and fun Halloween games for kids.
• How about playing science games?
• Have you seen the most popular google doodle games?
• And we have a really fun collection of math games for kids.

Have you started learning chess with your kids? Do you have any tips on how to learn to play chess for beginners?