April 22, 2023
the best book for chess for children
I researched various sources, including Reddit discussions and websites that focus on chess for children. The sources provided numerous book recommendations and opinions on the best books for teaching chess to kids. Overall, there seems to be a general consensus on some popular book options, although preferences may vary depending on the child's age and skill level.
Have an opinion? Send us proposed edits/additions and we may incorporate them into this article with credit.
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Chess for Kids by Michael Basman
"Michael Basman provides a comprehensive title for kids that is complete with thorough explanations and kid-friendly illustrations."
"youngest of players are wonderfully aided by Basman as they explore and expand upon different strategies for defending, attacking, and finished the games, all the while presenting brilliant examples on the proper way(s) of gaining experience by playing several games with a lot of different people."
Winning Chess Strategy for Kids by Jeff Coakley
Chess Tactics for Kids by Murray Chandler
Learn Chess the Right Way by Susan Polgar
How to Beat Your Dad at Chess
Chess Openings for Juniors
Chess Steps
ChessKid App/Website
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Research
Source: "3 Best Chess Books for Kids (2023) - Which Are ..." (from web, www.ereads.com)
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Best Chess Books for Kids:
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Chess Tactics for Kids by Murray Chandler:
- Illustrates 50 tricky tactics.
- Basic tactics and concepts are explained.
- Simple format that is easy to follow.
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Winning Chess Strategy for Kids by Jeff Coakley:
- Covers chess rules, basics, and common checkmates.
- Includes advanced strategies, piece developments, attacking a king, and pawns structure.
- Intended for children aged 7-13 but suitable for parents and experienced players.
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Chess for Kids by Michael Basman:
- Provides a brief and thorough history of chess.
- Explains how chess pieces are used.
- Covers basic and important tactics, endgame, and examples from real championships.
- Suitable for newest and youngest players and an excellent refreshment course for intermediate players.
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Chess Tactics for Kids by Murray Chandler:
Source: "Winning Chess Strategy for Kids: Amazon.co.uk: ..." (from web, www.amazon.co.uk)
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Unable to find relevant information on the webpage.
- None
Source: "What's the best way to teach a kid?" (from reddit, r/chess)
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A Reddit user asked for advice on teaching kids chess:
- User has been teaching their 5-year-old for a year, starting with basics like piece movement and board setup
- Kid loves chess and is getting better at spotting and creating threats, but struggles with checkmate concept
- User is looking for resources to keep kid engaged and interested in chess, and wondering if they need a coach
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Comments suggest the following resources:
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Step-by-Step method found at chess-steps.com or stappenmethode.nl
- Provides thorough lessons and exercises for each book in a Step
- Latest editions needed for answer keys to match problem sets
- Recommended order for Step 1: Stepping Stones 1 and 2, Basic lessons in Manual, Workbook, Chess Tutor basic lessons, Extra, Plus Lessons in Manual, Plus, Plus lessons in Chess Tutor, Mix
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Winning Chess _ For Kids books by Jeff Coakley
- Start with green Strategies book and save blue Exercises book for last
- Pricey, use book price aggregator like bookfinder.com or allbookstores.com
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Book reviews/recommendations and articles by Elizabeth Spiegel on Amazon and uschess.org
- Chess educator of the year by UT Dallas
- Fountain of resources and enthusiasm for teaching children chess
- TED talk “Can Three-Year-Olds play chess?” with recommended resources
- ChessKid app/website recommended by a Reddit user.
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Step-by-Step method found at chess-steps.com or stappenmethode.nl
Source: "Chess for Kids by Michael Basman, Paperback | B..." (from web, www.barnesandnoble.com)
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Book Title: Chess for Kids
- Author: Michael Basman
- Suitable for children ages 9 and older
- Includes chessboard graphics that illustrate various game scenarios
- Breakdown of the value, importance, and role of each piece in chess
- History section provides background on the game and its origins
- Covers the aim of the game and tactics
- Helps to build a fundamental knowledge of chess
- Boosts understanding of its value, power, and importance
- Contains expert advice from international chess master and tutor Michael Basman
- Can help take skills to the next level, from beginner player to chess champion
- Teach thinking strategically about moves by applying principles of chess to club games, tournaments and championships
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What are some of the free online resources for teaching kids how to play chess?
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What are the advantages of incorporating multiple methods and strategies when teaching children how to play chess?
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Source: "Can Anyone Recommend Introductory Chess Books F..." (from reddit, r/chess)
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Webpage:
- URL: https://www.reddit.com/r/chess/comments/qbex5w/can_anyone_recommend_introductory_chess_books_for/
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relevant information:
- subreddit post asking for book recommendations for teaching chess to a 10-year old
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suggestions:
- “new to chess” books in the recommended book list from r/chess
- “Everyone’s First Chess Workbook”
- “Winning Chess Exercises for Kids”
- “Comprehensive Chess Course, Vol. 2: From Beginner to Tournament Player in 12 Lessons” by Pelts and Alburt
- Jeff Coakley workbooks
- “Chess School 1a and 1b (The Manual of Chess Combinations)” by Sergey Ivashchenko
- “How to Beat Your Dad at Chess”
Source: "The 5 Best Chess Books for Kids - Kids Academy" (from web, www.kidsacademy.mobi)
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There are many free online resources for teaching kids how to play chess, but learning with books is also valuable
- Incorporating multiple methods and strategies helps children internalize lessons and concepts
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There are classic, tried-and-true chess books for kids that are highly recommended by educators and written by experienced and successful chess masters
- Chess Tactics Workbook by Al Woolum is good for beginners aged 10 and up and presents over 800 puzzle problems in an easy-to-understand way
- Books by Grandmaster Murray Chandler, including How to Beat Your Dad at Chess, Chess Tactics for Kids, Chess for Children, and Chess Puzzles for Kids, offer engaging strategies and challenges for children of different skill levels
- Winning Chess Strategy for Kids, Winning Chess Puzzles for Kids, Winning Chess Exercises for Kids, and Winning Chess Puzzles for Kids Volume 2 by Jeff Coakley are entertaining and effective for improving gameplay
- Chess for Kids by Michael Basman teaches essential concepts of the game with thorough explanations and kid-friendly illustrations
- Learn Chess the Right Way by Grandmaster Susan Polgar is a comprehensive series for advanced beginners aged 10 and up that includes lessons over tactics and strategies intended to improve a player’s mastery for kids who are serious about improving their gameplay
- Immersing children in the world of chess using a variety of learning tools, including books and interactive resources, can help them become great players
Source: "Chess books for kids" (from reddit, r/chess)
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Reddit post: “Chess books for kids”
- Parent looking for chess book recommendations for their 10-year-old-rated 1000 child
- Wants easy-to-read books with great illustrations and colorful design
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Suggestions:
- “Chess Openings for Juniors”: Book starts with opening principles and goes into a basic e4 repertoire
- “Winning Chess” Series by Yasser Seirawan written in relaxed grandfatherly style
- “Learn Chess the Right Way” Series by Susan Polgar highly regarded
- “How to Beat Your Dad at Chess”
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chesskid: site for kids, run by chess.com
- good for kids who may not enjoy reading as much
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Chess.com membership ($50/yr):
- Offers almost unlimited lessons and chess puzzles
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lichess and YouTube
- Unlimited puzzles and lectures, completely free
- “Everyone’s First Chess Workbook”
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“Across the Battlefield: A Pawn’s Journey”
- Brand new book that tells an entertaining story using basic strategies and fundamentals of chess
- Recommended by British Chess News.
Source: "Need help! What are the best chess books for yo..." (from reddit, r/chess)
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Reddit post discussing the best chess books for young kids
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Request for chess book recommendations for 5-year-old
- Wants a book to play through with Mum
- Mention of Usborne chess book
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Good experiences with Steps method, a Dutch course for young kids
- Available in English
- Recommendation for Dr. Seuss books, “Everyone has an opening but you!” and “Oh the pieces you will move”
- Request for scholastic experience with young children
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Recommendation for Soviet Union book “Journey to the Chess Kingdom”
- Available in English translation
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Request for chess book recommendations for 5-year-old
Source: "What are the best books for teaching a child to..." (from reddit, r/chess)
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Reddit webpage for the best books for kids to learn chess
- /r/chess recommended book list with books for basics, tactics, openings, middlegames, endgames, and game collections
- Suggested by a user: Play games with the child and analyze them together
- Suggested by a different user: Book recommendation ‘Chess for Kids’ by Michael Basman
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What is the best book for chess for children?