The Right Way to Teach Chess to Kids

by Richard James

This accessible how-to guide for parents and teachers on the best way to teach chess to children, from international chess expert Richard James, is linked to both his bestselling book, 'Chess for Kids', and his website chessKIDS academy. James, who taught grandmasters Luke McShane and Jonathan Rowson, shows how learning chess is interesting and fun. It can also help children develop life skills, such as decision-making and social skills, and be a springboard to other subjects in the school curriculum, such as maths, science, history and even languages.

Genres: Chess, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2013

Reviews

[Tom Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before I read this I played like "book move, book move, blunder."

After reading this I play like "book move, book move, book move, long pause, different kind of blunder."

3.5 stars. I got exactly what's promised: practical advice for structuring chess lessons, no-nonsense recommendations on what works for which age groups. I play better as a result of it all, and most importantly I know better how to encourage my kiddo at play.

[Gautham Shenoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book if you are a parent looking to introduce your kid to the world of Chess. The book talks about the what, how, when and where to teach chess to kids, aspects of their psychological makeup that an adult should keep in mind while introducing them to some of the concepts. The first half of the book focusses largely on these issues. The chessboard, the pieces and the rules are only introduced in the second half. The author introduces the pieces (pawns, rook, queen, king and the knight in that order) in a delightful manner using the capture-the-flag game which allows the kids to play with just those pieces while following the rules of their movement. Finally the author talks about the opening strategies, some of the tactics for the middle game and some of the methods to deliver a checkmate.

The writing is clear and to the point. The language is accessible. In all, a very enjoyable and instructive book.

[Varsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been playing chess since third grade and I picked this up because I'm always looking for more tips on how to play well. This book made me feel stupid at times and that's a good thing. I've realised how much more I have to improve. Embarrassingly enough there were even some basic rules which I had learnt wrong so it was great to be able to correct some of my wrong notions.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful.

I will be using this for my school’s chess club.

[Jamie Sutherland · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Don't" - would have summarised this pretty well

[Peter Fabre · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a chess coach and teacher in a primary school, i found many tips and hints in this book which i have begun implementing with varying degrees of success.

The book is mediocre but considering the lack of variety on this topic, i'm glad i came across it and, knowing the quality and usefulness of the book, i would buy it again.

My mediocre comment is for my desire to include more conversation of the more difficult concepts to teach. Good openings and expected counter plays.

Not for everyone. But id you are in a position like me, it may be quite useful.