A Beginner’s Guide to Chess for Kids: What to Expect in Their First Few Classes

Starting chess is an exciting adventure, especially for kids! Chess can seem complex at first, but with a step-by-step approach, kids can quickly learn the basics and start playing. Here’s what parents and young beginners can expect in their first few classes at First Move Chess Academy.

1. Learning the Chess Board and Pieces

The journey starts with the basics. Kids will get familiar with the board—its 64 squares and the rows and columns called ranks and files. They’ll also meet all the pieces: the King, Queen, Bishops, Knights, Rooks, and Pawns. In this stage, they’ll learn where each piece starts on the board and get hands-on practice setting up their game.

2. Understanding Piece Movements

Each chess piece moves differently, and this is where the fun begins! Kids will learn how each piece moves and interacts with others:

• The Rook moves straight along ranks and files.
• The Bishop glides diagonally.
• The Knight has a unique “L-shaped” move.
• The Queen moves freely in any direction.
• The King moves one square in any direction.
• And the Pawns have their own special forward moves.

In this phase, kids will get to practice moving pieces in mock games, understanding each one’s strengths and limitations.

3. Exploring Basic Chess Rules

Once they know how to move, beginners learn the rules that govern the game. This includes concepts like check and checkmate, understanding the goal of protecting the King, and how to capture their opponent’s pieces. Kids also learn about special moves, like castling and en passant, making their chess knowledge complete!

4. Developing Opening Moves

Every chess game begins with an opening, and in these first few classes, young players get introduced to beginner-friendly opening moves. They’ll learn why controlling the center of the board is important, how to develop their pieces early, and why protecting the King is essential. This stage gives them the foundation they need to play their first games confidently.

5. Practicing with Fun Exercises and Mini-Games

Chess classes aren’t all lectures! Coaches often use fun exercises and mini-games to reinforce key lessons. For example, kids might play a “Capture the King” game where they focus on planning checkmates. These exercises make learning fun and help kids practice new skills without the pressure of a full game.

6. Basic Strategy and Tactics

After the essentials, young players get introduced to basic strategies and tactics. They’ll learn concepts like:

• Forks: Attacking two pieces at once.
• Pins: Keeping a piece stuck in place because it protects a more valuable piece.
• Skewers: Forcing an opponent’s valuable piece to move, exposing another piece behind it.

These tactics help kids see that chess is more than just moving pieces—it’s about planning, predicting, and surprising the opponent!

7. First Friendly Games and Coaching

As kids gain confidence, they’ll start playing short, friendly games. Coaches provide guidance, helping them spot mistakes, see opportunities, and learn from each move. Kids experience their first victories (and losses) with support, fostering resilience and good sportsmanship.

8. Building Confidence Through Challenges and Rewards

Starting out, every little achievement—like successfully putting an opponent in check—is celebrated. Coaches often set small challenges, like capturing a piece or achieving checkmate, and kids earn praise or small rewards, boosting their confidence and making them eager to learn more.

Starting chess at First Move Chess Academy is all about building excitement and confidence. Kids learn the fundamentals, practice in a fun way, and gain skills that extend beyond the board. Ready to give your child a head start in strategy, patience, and mental agility? Join us for a class and watch them grow into confident chess players, one move at a time!