Chess for Children

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View books by Murray Chandler, Helen Milligan.

Friendly and Inspirational - Rated
I'm currently working leisurely through this book with my 7 year old daughter. My daugter is finding it very approachable and so am I as someone who is a bit rusty on the game. I have found it very inspirational. My daughter had no problem in understanding and interpreting the section on algebraic notation. We played through the listed game and it spurred me on to download a couple of famous games which we also played through and discussed together. The chapter end tests and suggested practice exercises are at the right level to encourage rather than overwhelm. The format is clear and of good quality. Along with the other reviewers I heartily recommend this book as a fun introduction to chess that young children and their parents can enjoy exploring together.

Nicest introduction to chess I have ever seen - Rated
I have seen countless books on chess aimed at youngsters over the years, but this is probably the nicest introduction I have ever seen, aimed at primary school children. The problem with so many books is that they are too ambitious, too wordy or just downright boring, but such criticisms in no way apply to this latest addition.

The game is taught through the medium of a cartoon character, George, and his pet alligator, Kirsty, a self-proclaimed Grand Alligator of Chess. The large format pages and large diagrams are easier on the young eye, and the language is readily accessible to a young age group.

The book consists of six parts. Part One covers the basics of how the pieces move, then subsequent parts take the young beginner through a succession of easy, welldefined stages, until by the end of the book you are able to play through and understand a complete game. The book is also very much inter-active, as there are tests interspersed at regular intervals throughout.

As I said earlier, over-ambition is the main problem with so many beginners books, but here the authors have set out with the very limited objective of getting the child started on a very basic level. Opening theory, middlegame strategy and endgame technique have no place here. The emphasis is on learning the basics in an enjoyable manner. If you have a young child or relative who wants to learn chess, then I can thoroughly recommend this book, which in addition to everything I have already said comes at a very reasonable price.

This review first appeared in the magazine En Passant.

Best Beginner Book I have seen - Rated
Finally a learn chess book really written for children! We found this in Waterstones en route to a family holiday, and my 6 year old adored it. This book teaches how to play chess, and assumes no previous knowledge of the game. Your child can either read the book themselves, or it can make a guide for you to teach them.
The book starts by teaching the very basics, and not taking things too fast. The moves of the pawn and pieces are taught step-by-step, via a series of very large and very clear chess diagrams. Arrows point out the options, and the production quality of the chess boards is excellent.
Illustrations are nicely done, and low key, which I like a lot. This is a book which has the genuine aim of teaching chess, and does it property.