FREE Resources to Teach Your Kids How to Play Chess

Chess can seem like a very complicated strategy game that is only for those with genius I.Q.s. I remember all the nerdy kids in school that were part of chess clubs. Now it seems like many young kids are playing chess, beating their parents and having a great time with it. If you have been wanting your kids to learn chess you will enjoy these free resources to teach your kids how to play chess.

Why should your kids learn how to play chess?

There are some amazing benefits for your children’s brains when they learn how to play chess. Did you know that chess actually uses both parts of your brain while playing? You use your left and your right brain at the same time to accomplish a game of chess. Playing chess improves the memory, creates good critical thinking and problem solving skills, and helps with poor attention span.

I think this is where the stigma of brainiac genius kids playing chess come from. Playing chess can train your brain and it really does help your kids be smarter!

You can read about even more amazing benefits in this article – The Brainy Benefits of Chess: how this classic game of strategy makes kids smarter – Parents Magazine.

If those all seem like skills you want to better develop in your children, then what better way then by teaching them how to play this classic game? If you are like me, you have never played, or have been intimidated by it growing up.

Thankfully, with the internet, and also books, you can learn how to play chess along side your children. This will make for some great memories with your kids and you will have fun doing it. You may be surprised at how fast your kids pick it up and they may even beat you at a few games!

FREE Resources to Teach Your Kids How to Play Chess:

Printables and Tutorials:

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Play Chess for Kids – Homeschooling Along

Printable Chess Board, Chess Pieces and Rules on How to Play 

Chess Rules and Moves for the Beginner – The Game Supply

Chess Thought Process Checklist Infographic – The Game Supply

Free Chess Printables 

Chess for Kids Printables – Box of Ideas

Chess for Kids Tutorial with free downloadable game pieces – Activity Village

Introduction to Chess for Kids Kindergarten Chess Pack – Royal Baloo

Websites on how to teach chess:

Chess Kid is the #1 place for kids to learn and play chess. This is a membership site, but there are some free lessons and very helpful videos as well when you set up a free account.

The Chess Website is your one stop shop for all things related to chess. Learn to play with practice games, lessons and more.

Chess Smarts – has some amazing online tutorials, articles and blog posts you can find them all here at Learning Chess and Chess for Kids.

The United States Chess Federation  – this is the official organization for chess players and chess supporters in the United States. Learn about national events, tournaments and how to become a member.

Chess Kids Academy – teach your kids how to play chess with a free online chess course, games and lessons.

Books to help your kids learn to play chess:

The Batsford Book of Chess for Children

Checkmate!: My First Chess Book

Chess for Beginners: Know the Rules, Choose Your Strategy, and Start Winning

Power Chess for Kids: Learn How to Think Ahead and Become One of the Best Players in Your School

Beginning Chess Games for Kids:

Chess Teacher: Learning Set for the Beginner

Family Classics Chess

Winning Moves: No Stress Chess

The Kids’ Book of Chess and Chess Set

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Sarah Shelton

Sarah is a wife, daughter of the King and Mama to 4 children (one who is a homeschool graduate)! She is a an eclectic, Charlotte Mason style homeschooler that has been homeschooling for over 16 years now. She is still trying to find the balance between work and keeping a home and says she can only do it by the Grace of God, and Coffee!