Playing beginning chess at home

 

 

Dear chess club parent,

 

Your child has shown an interest and talent for chess. That's terrific. Chess can be more than just a lifelong source of enjoyment. Studies have shown that it can improve school performance. Playing chess at a young age develops skills in logic, spatial relationships, and pattern recognition.

 

Your child already knows the rules of chess. What now? Some parents have asked for guidance on effective and fun adult/child chess games. Many beginners can feel intimidated playing against an adult and can easily get discouraged.

 

But "letting the kid win" is not necessarily a good idea. The adult is not challenged and the child is not getting accurate feedback on their play so they can improve. Making use of handicapping techniques that allow the adult to play their best and can level the playing field. Some handicapping techniques include:

 

Restricted army - For the adult, start the game with only pawns, bishops, and a king. If you lose, add a piece for the next game. If you win, subtract a piece for the next game.

 

Take-backs - Normal chess rules do not allow taking a move back. However, 'take-backs' should always be allowed in friendly games where the rules were misunderstood.

 

For beginners and novices, take-backs should be offered for absolute blunder moves, i.e. moving a piece where it can be taken without penalty. Offer a "take-back" if the child can determine why it was a mistake within a prescribed time frame (like the time it takes for you to slowly reach over to your attacking piece).

 

It should be understood by the child that take-backs are undesirable but being allowed as part of the development process. The ultimate goal is to play strictly by the rules (no take-backs). However, in reality, 'take-backs' are often offered by opponents in all levels of friendly games to maintain play quality.

 

Thinking out loud - This technique involves the experienced adult talking out (in simple language) what they are planning and why they are making a particular move. The level of vagueness or explicitness can be tailored to the child's skill level. "Thinking out loud" is an excellent way to turn ordinary chess games into learning opportunities.

 

However you handicap, set the level handicap so the win ratio is 50-50 (with you playing your best) and adjust as necessary. You'll find that your young player will need fewer handicaps over time as their skills develop. Meanwhile you're both enjoying quality chess -- and quality time -- together.

 

 

                                                                                                C Beach