Chess
is an age-old game that has withstood the test of time--it's a
fantastic "thinking" game. Despite its image as a brainy
pastime, children as young as 6 or 7 are usually able to learn the
basics of the game.
 In my
children's elementary school, chess is a regular part of the math
curriculum. Why? As children play, they actively use logic and
problem-solving skills. And, they learn to develop strategies
because it is necessary to plan ahead. This is excellent
"training" for any young mind, and it's a valuable
cross-curricular skill. In order to succeed at chess, children
need to learn patience and concentration. They need to analyze,
judge, and draw on memory. Although chess is largely a game of
logic, there is quite a bit of room for creative thinking in any
particular game.
There's nothing like a
"real", hands-on chess experience with a human opponent.
The subtleties of competition in a face-to-face match can't be
found in a chess software program. However, chess software affords
children some technologically-unique opportunities:
- With chess software, children
can learn basic strategies of the game.
- Unlimited practice
opportunities are available with chess software.
- Children can learn chess
basics and chess strategies independently.
- When a real-life opponent
isn't available, a computer opponent will certainly do.
- Chess software suits children
who learn best through independent play and study. These
children can bring what they've learned into
"real-life" chess play, and this is a confidence
booster.
Which software programs are
appropriate for children?
 For kids who are already
interested in chess, Chessmaster 10th Edition is a great choice.
This is a software that will grow with a child's budding chess
skills.
Kids can start out in the self-contained Kids Room where
they'll find thorough tutorials and plenty of opportunities to
play against computer opponents with wide-ranging abilities.
This
program is a little on the dry side, so it is best for children
who already possess an interest in the game. It's a great buy for
children who are serious about chess. Although the retail price is
a little higher than many programs, this game features enormous
content (play opportunities, strategies, mini-puzzles, tutorials,
psychology, etc.) and a wealth of options and customizations. Chessmaster
9000 was included in our Best
Software of 2002 list. For those with an eye on their
pocketbook, although this 10th edition sports more appealing
graphics and a new "Chessmaster Academy", Chessmaster
9000 remains an excellent choice as well. Consider also Fritz 8 Deluxe ,
but remember it's not for beginners.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Chessmaster 10th Edition
or Chessmaster 9000
CD-ROM]
 But if you're looking for a chess
program that encourages an interest in the game, there's a
software title that might just do the
trick--and teach children a few valuable tricks once they've been
won over! Learn
to Play Chess with Fritz and Chesster (see our full
review) by Viva Media uses
animation and a story line to capture children's interest in the
game.
When Fritz's parents go on vacation, he gets to be
"king for a day"--that is until an evil King challenges
Fritz to a duel. Children get to explore the castle and grounds
with Fritz and his cousin Bianca, and take part in arcade-style
games that teach them chess basics and strategies. There's an
"Intelligym", which is a training ground for children to
practice their skills. The goal is to learn all you can before the
big "duel" with King Black. This is a nice, step-by-step
program that features some quite creative games that help kids
build thinking skills. Very recommended!
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Learn to Play Chess with Fritz and Chesster
]
 Learn
to Play Chess with Fritz & Chesster 2: Chess in the Black
Castle
This sequel to
the popular and excellent Learn
to Play Chess with Fritz and Chesster is not just a
continuation of the first title. It's appropriate for beginning
chess players and more advanced players alike. This educational
software game is fun, featuring 21 arcade-style mini games that
reinforce chess concepts introduced in the story line. Kids need
to rescue Chesster from King Black's Castle. Players learn chess
concepts--from basic to advanced--through the game's intelligible
and engaging format. Such chess concepts as pinning, delivering
check, protecting, openings, and more, are introduced and
reinforced through tutorials that feel more like games. Kids also
learn chess notation, and a bonus one-year free subscription to www.playchess.com
is included. We will have a full review of this title
shortly.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Learn to Play Chess with Fritz and Chesster 2: Chess in the Black Castle
at Amazon.com]
 Of course, kids don't
have to go digital to learn how to play the game. A nice
introductory chess book set, called The Kids' Book of Chess and
The Kids' Chess Set, is available, and it's just
right for beginners. Unless they are strong readers, kids will need
some help from their parents, but the comparisons of chess pieces to
their medieval counterparts is very effective, the illustrations and
instructions are clear, and the set includes a beginner chess set
with which kids can practice their new skills.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
The Kids' Book of Chess/Book and Kids'...
]
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