Introduction to Chess
In modern times, chess is often seen as a game for intellectuals and strategic thinkers. However, at its heart, chess is a simple and ancient game with origins dating back to the 6th century. It´s a game that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike, providing endless possibilities for strategic thinking and pure fun. In this guide, we´ll break down the basics of chess for kids, explaining the roles and movements of each chess piece in an easy to understand way. By the end, your child will have a solid foundation to start playing and enjoying the game of chess.
The Chessboard
The game of chess is played on a square shaped board with 64 alternating light and dark colored squares. Each player starts with 16 chess pieces, arranged in two parallel rows on opposite sides of the board. The first row closest to the player is called the first rank, while the row farthest away is called the eighth rank. The first rank for white pieces contains the king, queen, bishops, knights, rooks, and pawns, while the first rank for black pieces contains the same pieces in the same order.
The King
The king is the most important piece in chess and the ultimate goal of the game is to capture the opponent´s king. It is represented by the tallest piece and can move one square in any direction. The king is also able to move two squares to either side during a special move called “castle” in which both the king and the rook switch places. However, the king cannot move into check, meaning it cannot move into a square that is under attack by an opponent´s piece. A player cannot make a move that puts their own king in check and the game ends when one player has put the other´s king in a position where it cannot escape capture, known as “checkmate.”
The Queen
The queen is by far the most powerful chess piece, able to move any number of squares diagonally, horizontally, or vertically. It is represented by the second tallest piece and is often referred to as the “king´s right hand” as it works together with the king to protect and attack. The queen is crucial in attacking and defending as it can quickly change direction and take out multiple opponent´s pieces in a single turn. Losing a queen is a significant disadvantage as it is worth the equivalent of 9 points, the most of any piece.
The Bishops, Knights, and Rooks
The remaining three pieces in the first rank are bishops, knights, and rooks. Bishops are represented by the tall, angled pieces and can only move diagonally. Knights are the shortest chess pieces and can move in an “L” shape, either two squares horizontally and one square vertically or vice versa. They are the only pieces that can jump over other pieces. Rooks, represented by the tallest pieces with a flat top, can move horizontally or vertically, but not diagonally. Rooks are typically used to control open lines and can be powerful in endgame situations.
The Pawns
The final row in each player´s first rank contains eight pawns. Pawns are represented by the shortest and most numerous pieces on the chessboard. They are limited to moving one square forward at a time, except for their first move when they can choose to move two squares. They can only capture other chess pieces diagonally, making them less powerful than other pieces, but still crucial in a game of chess. Pawns can also be promoted to a queen if they reach the opponent´s side of the board, making them more valuable in the endgame.
Conclusion
Chess pieces may seem complicated and daunting at first, but with a little understanding, they quickly become second nature. Once your child has a grasp of each piece´s abilities and roles, they can start playing and learning more about strategy and tactics. Chess is a game that improves critical thinking, concentration, and problem-solving skills, making it a wonderful activity for kids. With this guide, your child will be on their way to becoming a chess master in no time!