Chess for Kids Paperback – Illustrated, January 23, 2006

This is an excellent overview and primer for young people just developing an interest in chess. The "for Kids" title may be a bit off-putting; the target age range is probably from, say, advanced 4th grade to early high school. However, the text is welcoming and easy to understand without being condescending.The book flows well - from a simple overview of the game to a clear explanation of the function of each piece, to a basic introduction to rules and then strategy. It includes engaging exercises and teaching games that are more than simple question/answer problems, and will help a beginning student get a feel for aspects of the game before being thrown in to full-length games. It introduces chess notation and the rules of the game, but in a simple and natural way; it does not force the student to memorize confusing arcana before being able to play and enjoy the game. Text passages are short and clear, and keyed to attractive color photos and diagrams that illustrate board positions and piece moves. (The diagrams may sometimes be slightly confusing to a student with no prior knowledge, but in general are very good.) There are also frequent sidebars with interesting explanations and chess tidbits.All in all, I think this book is a remarkably clear, informative, helpful, and engaging introduction. It should take a learner with no experience in chess up to the level of being able to play effectively and to begin to appreciate strategy. I bought it to use in teaching my 5th/6th-grade nephews the game, but I have to say I am learning things from it! It will also be helpful for students who already know the rudiments of the game but have not had systematic teaching. (Students who are ready to begin learning standard openings and strategy in a serious way should use a more advanced book.) It can be used independently by any student with moderate reading skills, but the student will benefit from having an experienced instructor as well.

I chose this book based on other reviews and it lived up to expectations. My 8 year old grandson and I had started learning chess together last summer, starting with a chess set with very basic instructions. I took this book to him at Thanksgiving and we worked through it as we played. Besides teaching the basic moves, it gives some history of the game, teaches basic strategy and, importantly, thinking skills. The book is structured with a short section on each piece and after explaining the moves and strategies for that piece, has some learning games or challenges to reinforce the lesson, with answers in the back of the book. Jordan really liked working through the exercises; he lit up once he realized what they were and we went through them all, reading the right and wrong answers and learning in the process. I especially liked the diagrams showing visually why it is better for certain pieces to move effectively in the middle of the board, or along the sides - I think that's great for kids. It also explains chess notation so that, once these basic skills are mastered, and as he grows a little older, we can move on to more advanced chess instruction books. I am very much enjoying sharing this challenge with my grandson and watching his mind work and lights go off as he grasps these skills.

This is a good reference book for young people, kids just learning to play chess. We gave this as a gift to our grandson who is starting to play & joined a chess club after school.

Good source of information ...easy to understand.

Great book to introduce kids (and adults) to chess. The book is only 45 pages and, IMO, has the right amount of information for a great start:- The book uses pictures and figures to illustrate moves and for exercises.- I especially liked the exercises that build on instruction and reinforce it.- This book introduces notation as well as openings, middle and end game without being heavy on any of those topics.- Overall tone and language in the book is engaging and encouraging.I have used the book alongside a chess set. We read the book and then do exercises on chess board. And that combination has worked out great for us.

I've been tinkering around trying to learn how to play chess, without much success. And I would also like my son to learn to play chess. So I finally got this book, and I'm very pleased. I wasn't expecting my young son to read it on his own, so the reading level didn't bother me at all. What I love most about it is the modified games. Not only does the author explain each piece, but he offers modified chess games for you to play against an opponent. These modified games have been really helpful to me, and I've enjoyed playing them.This isn't necessarily a chess book written for kids. But it is an excellent book on how to teach kids to play chess. And, as the others have mentioned, the illustrations are perfect and beautiful.Personally, I could not be more pleased with this book.

I bought this book for a seven-year-old who is learning chess in first grade along with a chess set for her. I previewed the book and while it appeared to be a good and comprehensive book on chess, it seemed to not be on a level that a seven year-old would understand so I returned it.

Excellent book, very easy to read. Nice pictures and explanations. The game itself is meant to be played with 2 people, so if getting this for a child, reading it together would be fun. There are a lot of pictures, with minimal, to the point explanations. Since it is not very "wordy" kids may find it easier to understand.