Chess for Kids

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.

My 7 year old son was thrilled to receive this book. He studied it for 1 day then challenged me to a game. He kept the book open while we were playing and referred to it often. He played much better offense and defense understanding how the pieces move and how to plan ahead more than one move. It made a huge difference! He even asked me to find him a link online so he could play on his own.

Before this book has been written, there aren't many chess books for kids in those days, but here comes a book that is specially designed for kids and is readily accessible whenever kids wanted it. Since his years as an international master, Michael Basman has devoted his time to teaching schoolchildren chess, and years after that he set up the UK Chess Club, a chess tournament which attracts thousands of players every year. Since I haven't got time to write down Michael Basman's bio in this review, I feel his kids chess book is worth having and is highly recommended to any kid. You know, many kids will hate a book that is unatrractive and dull and will soon get rid of it but Michael Basman's book has very attractive pictures, that'll show kids the game positions, and they are very clear, only to find them done in digital photography! Chess is a battle of wits between two players and checkmating the opponent is a very difficult task, requiring your skill and knowledge. Michael Basman explains this in his book with a very accessible text that'll allow kid readers to understand the game concepts and is simple enough to apprehend. Heck, if I'm a kid right now I'll be able to read through the book like water! Apart from the very clear pictures and simple text, Michael Basman uses his teaching experience to let kids gain a clearer understanding of chess pieces through the ''Check it out!'' section of the book and this section offers a brief explanation of the piece in terms of history and piece effectiveness. The book is well laid out, thorough and kid-friendly and is always there when kids need it. It covers all of the most important aspects of chess, including the basics. Most of all, it's highly informative and that means kids can have all the info they need in order to play chess correctly. What more could I say, this is a great book, and I swear Michael Basman made it by heart and by using his chess experience not anything else! The book is well laid out, clear, thorough and easy to use anytime. The book CAN teach kids the game so what're you waiting for, get your chessboard and pieces and let the games begin!

This is a GREAT book for kids (or adult) learning chess. One doesn't need to want to become a master of chess to buy this book. It has simple games that anyone can enjoy (my two kids are 3 and 6). Just the simple pawn game is well worth the money. In the end, it demystifies chess and makes the game fun and accessible to little kids. Worth every penny!