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How to Play Chess for Kids: Simple Strategies to Win

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Learn to play chess―and win―with this complete guide for kids ages 8 to 12 Check it Playing chess is tons of fun…and it can help make you smarter, too! How to Play Chess for Kids teaches you everything you need to know to start―even if you’ve never played before. First get the hang of moving each piece, understand the rules, then find out how to capture pieces and win. In this book of chess for kids, you’ll try out different tactics, discover super-secret strategies, and practice thinking ahead. How to Play Chess for Kids You’ll conquer the game of kings and queens in no time with How to Play Chess for Kids !

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2019

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
2,714 reviews7 followers
December 2, 2019
The author of this helpful book has been playing chess since the age of five and from what I can see, she really knows her stuff!  This book begins with an introduction for parents that is about the benefits for children in playing chess; they are many but, to be sure, it is also meant to be fun.  The book then covers all of the chess basics, everything from which way the board should be (white square in the lower right corner), through explanations of each of the pieces and how each moves, what constitutes a win in chess and lots on strategy.  There are quizzes so that children can review their progress.  I highly recommend this title to anyone who wants to learn more about how to play the game; as an adult, I also learned quite a bit.


Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this read in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Diana.
867 reviews103 followers
November 30, 2023
Learning to play chess is on my list of things I want to do before my next birthday, so while directed at kids, it was perfect for me.
When I was a kid I was taught at least twice how to play chess, but since I didn't get any practice, ended up completely forgetting how. So I was more or less new to this game at the beginning of the book but once I started, it felt like I'd been playing for a long time. It's such an easy lesson that anyone will be inspired to start playing with great confidence.
Profile Image for Sarah.
261 reviews
November 13, 2019
This is a very nicely done chess tutorial book. It covers the basics of piece movement along with some more complicated and less known tactics and strategies. Like the intro says, a child will need adult help to navigate this book until perhaps age 12. The illustrations are nicely drawn and very easy to understand. A great gift for the 12 year old that has everything.

(I received this book from the publisher, but all opinions are my own).
Profile Image for Tim Johnson.
603 reviews16 followers
November 29, 2021
Good book for beginners. I found it really helpful in teaching my grandson to play. He can’t beat me yet (he’s too impulsive) but I have, unfortunately, been beaten by a kid his age. Maybe I ought to read more chess books for kids.
160 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2022
Great for teaching chess to young people.
Profile Image for Nora St Laurent.
1,622 reviews104 followers
December 19, 2019
The book starts with a note to Parents. The author states,”…there are incredible benefits for kids who play and study chess…. Playing chess uses critical thinking skills such as higher-order thinking, memory, pattern recognition, math, and calculating abilities. It helps kids learn patience. It also teaches, through risk-benefit analysis, that there are consequences for each decision made...”

This book is split into two parts, one is full of the basics to get your started playing the game. Part two is all about tactics and strategies that will help you win. I liked her disclaimer, “You don’t win every time you play chess, but you do learn every time you play.”

I loved the layout out and the thoughtful and fun color pictures that help explain the moves and strategies. I’m excited to give this to our grandson who is just getting into the game.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Bill Tillman.
1,672 reviews80 followers
March 10, 2021
Good book for a novice to learn basic chess play! A place to start using a chess board.
Profile Image for Laura McAninch.
154 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2020
A little knowledge of chess before beginning this book would make it an easier read, but otherwise this is really well done. Our kids enjoy chess, and this is a nice aid to control their competitiveness in a positive manner.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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