But, in my experience, it’s about that time that interested and dedicated students of chess can easily access chess books that are no longer obviously made with kids in mind - particularly if they are independent readers. In my head, I’m thinking roughly 10 years old and down.īy no means does that mean 5th and 6th graders won’t learn from and enjoy these books too - especially if they’re beginners.
I’ve already written about my favorite digital platforms and chess apps in the past, but I’ve had several people write and ask me about chess book suggestions, so I’d like to do a roundup of my favorite chess books for younger kids. Some were definitely more for my older students and myself, while others were for my younger students, beginners, and my own kids at home.Īnd it’s that second group I want to focus on today. And over those years of teaching and coaching, I built up quite a personal library of chess books. Over time, my job even changed to the point where I was only teaching chess during the day - having the opportunity to expose every 4th, 5th, and 6th grader in the school to the beautiful game. That wonderful group of kids even won the national championship in their division for three straight years. It quickly grew into something very special, with always more than 10% of the school attending chess club after school. The hinge in the middle of the board made game play slightly awkward, but we think it’s a pretty minor inconvenience.Many years ago I started up a chess club at the middle school where I was teaching 4th grade math and science, and the kids were very dedicated and enthusiastic about it from the very beginning.
Unfolded, the board is a standard 15 by 15 inches, and when folded up, is pleasantly compact and easy to travel with. This chess board folds inward to provide storage for chess pieces, which are protected by the felt lining and secured with interior straps. Our best “all-purpose pick,” this Chess Armory wooden set is made from quality inlaid walnut, with handcrafted Staunton-style chess pieces (Staunton being the classic chessmen you’re probably used to seeing). Queens: Not an essential, but a bonus, many sets include two extra Queen pieces for when you crown a pawn. We like these storage spaces to be lined with felt and include either straps or fitted depressions to securely contain pieces. Many sets fold inward to create a storage space for pieces. Storage: If you’re not using your chess set as a display, we look for sets that are easy to store and travel with. Sets made specifically for travel are often magnetized to keep pieces in place. For this reason, many wooden pieces include weights at the bottom. Weight: Chess pieces should feel weighty and solid so they stay firmly in place on the board. At a minimum, you’ll want a board that lays flat and even, and feels sturdy enough to last a long time. Quality: First things first, look at the construction of the board itself. The best chess sets will deliver on both quality of its playing board and its game pieces. Decorative chess sets may be handcrafted from materials like alabaster and marble, but most practical sets are made of wood or sometimes plastic, which can withstand a beating. the board itself and all pieces) but chess sets vary in terms of construction and quality. Others are more practical for every day use, whether for a family game night, or a bragging rights contest amongst friends.Ĭhess sets across the board (excuse the pun) will include the same basic elements necessary to play (I.e. Some sets’ primary function - much like a standing antique globe or all six volumes of The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire - is to lend a sense of gravitas to one’s study or den. Today, there are a number of popular chess sets that range in both playing style and decor style. Naturally, in that amount of time, chess sets have evolved quite a bit in design and function. Products featured are independently selected by our editorial team and we may earn a commission from purchases made from our links the retailer may also receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.Ĭhess has been around for about 1,500 years, making it the OG of board games.
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