Product Description

With this charming book, children will delight in learning the basic moves of chess - the most popular and challenging strategy game of all. All the rules of chess are clearly explained, step by step, assuming no prior knowledge. The lessons are reinforced by the inventive tales that George is told by his pet alligator Kirsty, self-proclaimed Grand Alligator of chess.

Chess is recognized in many countries as a useful tool for developing creative thinking in children. Although chess can be regarded as a rather complex and mysterious game, the rules themselves are straightforward. It doesn't take long to learn how the pieces move, and even children as young as five can enjoy exciting games. They will also thoroughly enjoy outwitting friends and relatives!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10655 in Books
• Published on: 2004-09
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 112 pages

From the Publisher
Gambit Publications specialises in chess and has an unrivalled reputation for originality and editorial excellence. The company is owned and staffed entirely by leading chess masters and grandmasters.

About the Author
Murray Chandler gained the chess Grandmaster title by winning events in New York and Amsterdam. During 28 years as a professional player, he has taken part in over 150 international tournaments, in 32 different countries. His previous books include the best-selling How to Beat Your Dad at Chess.

Dr Helen Milligan is a World Chess Federation woman master (wfm), and a former British Ladies Champion. She has represented Scotland in 10 Chess Olympiads.

Customer Reviews

Great!!!
I am using this book to teach my two older children (6 and 4) and my wife (who never learned) how to play chess.

It is WELL done at having bite sized lessons followed by exercises. (I add some additional ones of my own.)

I was concerned about the algebraic chess notation lesson with my four year old, but he did great!

The best part about this book is that it isn't just a "here are the rules" book. Last night we went through the lesson on the value of pieces and talking about whether a swap is good or not. Some other really good lessons are the ones showing common checkmates, that talk about what to do when in check, and the chapter on forks, pins, and skewers.

This is a great book, but understand that it is for the absolute beginner. I think it is going MUCH better using this book than if I had tried to teach the kids just by myself.

Chess for Children
This book is great for teaching beginning children all about playing chess. It uses simple language, and clear explanations, for easy understanding. Cartoon character images help to keep children interested as Kirsty (a pet alligator) teaches George how to play. No prior knowledge of how to play required.

It is just fine.
I bought this book for my children's school library. I am the chess coach at their school and have been making efforts to increase the library's collection of chess books for children. This book is a fine addition to the collection. As I read through it I thought that my K-2 crew would probably enjoy it more than my 3-5 crew, but so be it. I think learning any activity should include reading about it, in addition to having personal instruction. This book will help those little ones to develop good learning habits and good chess habits as well.