Chess and the Russian culture seem to go hand-in-hand. Chess found its way from India into the region sometime in the 6th or 7th century. Since that time, chess has been played in Russia by royals and commoners alike. Most households have chess boards, many that have been passed down from one generation to the next. At an early age, children in Russia learn to play chess and it is common to have chess included in Russian schools or as an after school activity. Teaching Children to Play Chess has many benefits and can become a life long passion.
Chess is a complicated game involving a great deal of strategy. Chess is played with two opponents sitting on opposites sides of a game board containing 65 squares of alternating light and dark colors. Each player has 16 chess pieces which includes 8 pawns, 2 rooks, 2 knights, 2 bishops, 1 queen and 1 king. The object of the game is to check mate the opponent’s king. Each of the 6 types of pieces move in unique ways. Because of the complexities of the game, people differ on when a child can be taught chess. Usually, people recommend teaching chess to children between the ages of 5 – 9 years old. To begin with, children learn how individual pieces move, eventually adding strategy to the game.
As a very young child I remember watching my father play chess. He allowed me to play with the pieces before I had any concept of the game. As I slid the pieces across the board or lined them up in rows, I was already developing an understanding and love for the game. Then, when I was ready, he taught me how the pieces moved, one at a time, and only introduced another piece when I understood the nuances of the other pieces. By the time I was 7, I was playing chess with my father.
Chances are someone in your family plays chess and can begin teaching your child how to play. If not, there are many books available to help your child learn how to play chess. We personally own DK’s Chess for Kids.
Materials for Teaching Children to Play Chess
- chess set (here are two examples: Folding Chess Set with 60 Rule Cards and Rolled Travel Chess Set)
- a book on how to play chess (optional) (DK Chess with Children)
