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Chess for Kids?

Posted by Cliff on from the a-learning-experience dept.

cyberbian asks: "My six year old daughter has recently expressed an interest in chess. We have been playing a few games, but I fear that I'm not the best teacher for such a venerable game. Is there any software that the Slashdot community would recommend for learning the mechanics and structures of good chess?"

5 of 149 comments (clear)

  1. People are better teachers by Cyphertube · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I don't know where you live, but I'm sure that your six year old is not interested in sitting in front of a programme as much as sitting with people. You may not be the greatest chess player ever, but I'm sure you're more social than the machine.

    If your child starts to beat you regularly, then it's time to start finding new opponents. There are some places where people do actually meet and play chess. Take a look around. See if anyone you know plays as well.

    Starting to look for software right away is similar to using the television as a babysitter. Yes, the child will learn something, but will also not learn plenty of other things.

    --
    Linux - because it doesn't leave that Steve Ballmer aftertaste.
  2. ObGoPost by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Kids often find Go easier to learn, as it has fewer rules and you can play a simplified version of the game (on a smaller board, or first to capture 5, etc) that is still a meaningful introduction to the strategy.

  3. You by pizzaman100 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I would say that unless your kid is some kind of chess prodigy, the best teacher is you. A little quality time between parent and child is of more value than a program or even a tutor, and your kid will appreciate it more.

  4. And with Dad by IAAP · · Score: 4, Insightful
    You may not be the greatest chess player ever, but I'm sure you're more social than the machine.

    Plus, she's spending time with Mom or Dad. That's more important than anything. She'll progress in her own time.

  5. Re:Kids' chess set by damiam · · Score: 4, Insightful
    My parents got me one of those and I hated it. It took maybe a week for me to learn how each piece moved (and the set wasn't very helpful; the instructions on the pieces were hard to decipher). After I learned the basics, the extra instructions were mostly useless to me, and I thought the pieces looked clunky, ugly and juvenile. I'd have been much happier with a nice, professional-looking, standard chess set.

    Each to his own, I guess.

    --
    It's hard to be religious when certain people are never incinerated by bolts of lightning.