The Best Chess Books For Kids
If your child has a passion for chess, there are plenty of books they can read to learn more about the game. Some even come with puzzles to help them hone their skills!
These books can be an excellent way to challenge your child’s learning and make sure they retain concepts and lessons learned. So whether you need a beginner book to introduce your child to the rules of chess, or something more advanced for older players, here is our selection of the top chess books for kids!
1. Chess Tactics for Kids by Murray Chandler
Chess enthusiasts of all ages will be delighted by this book’s captivating illustrations. Not only will this impressive tome impress your peers, but it’s sure to whet your appetite for more cocktails afterward. Grandmaster Murray Chandler himself is featured prominently in this volume; an enlightened master of all trades who has amassed quite the trophy cabinet. While a bit less experienced than many chess enthusiasts, he is more than capable of taking on even the top players in a friendly match up!
2. The Story of Chess by Richard James
Chess is an excellent tool to develop children’s critical thinking and strategy skills, as well as being a great social activity. Additionally, it serves as an introduction to other subjects in the school curriculum such as maths, science and history.
Richard James, an internationally renowned chess expert, has written this book to assist teachers in teaching the game of chess in their schools. He discusses why it can be beneficial for all children and provides strategies on introducing it at various developmental stages. Furthermore, Richard identifies students who will benefit most from instruction in chess as well as providing strategies for creating a culture of chess in schools.
This book is an invaluable asset for teachers, parents and anyone else involved in teaching chess. It draws upon research into children’s learning styles as well as decades of experience working with pupils from around the world. It provides an accessible yet practical guide to mastering chess and provides a comprehensive teaching plan suitable for primary and secondary schools.
This book is essential reading for all chess educators and parents, especially those just starting out in instruction. With its in-depth personal understanding of chess and decades of teaching experience, author Michael Raftery provides a helpful reference guide that is suitable even for experienced coaches. A highly engaging read that will test teachers’ patience and foster creative thinking, this should be part of every teacher’s library.
3. Chess for Children by Murray Chandler and Helen Milligan
Chess may seem complex, but its rules are straightforward enough even for young children to comprehend. Chess makes a great activity to play with kids who lack interest in sports or just wants to challenge themselves mentally. No better way to do so than with an excellent chess book!
Murray Chandler is a World Chess Federation Grandmaster, having won events in New York and Amsterdam during his 28 years as professional player. Throughout this time, he has participated in over 150 international tournaments across 32 countries. Additionally, he is the author of several chess books such as How to Beat Your Dad at Chess and Chess Tactics for Kids which were both huge bestsellers.
This is an ideal chess book for young players who are ready to step up into the competition. Not only does it include a chess board, but there are plenty of diagrams and activities to keep your budding master of chess engaged for hours on end.
4. Bobby Fischer’s Chess Book
If you’re new to chess and want to learn the fundamentals, Bobby Fischer’s Chess Book for Kids is the ideal starting point. It begins with straightforward puzzles that ask you questions about the game of chess, but as you progress through it, the challenges become increasingly more challenging.
It is an enjoyable and engaging way to teach your children the fundamentals of chess, using “programmed learning” principles. Written by two renowned experts in programming and designed by a chess master, this is an ideal starting point for anyone just getting into playing this amazing game.
I have used this book with my students, and it’s an invaluable teaching aid for the game of chess. It helps them memorize 50 famous checkmating patterns used by chess players to defeat opponents, plus it gives them practice using those patterns when playing their own games.
The book is clearly written and visually appealing, providing kids with all of the pieces used in chess. Plus, it boasts plenty of captivating pictures throughout.
My favorite aspect of this book is that it can be read backwards from front to front, creating an enjoyable conversation between characters in the tale. Additionally, it does a wonderful job explaining chess rules and uses clever stories to ensure children retain what they’ve read.
This book is perfect for young readers, featuring two animated kids who speak throughout the story. Not only that, but its illustrations are stunning!
I believe this to be the ideal chess book for kids. It’s so well-designed and cleverly constructed that learning the fundamentals of the game of chess becomes a delightfully enjoyable experience. A great choice as your first chess book, this will surely become an invaluable addition to your library.