The Magic Theater was created to help children learn how to play chess and hopefully answer some of the question they are too shy to ask in class. I also made the Magic Theater with parents in mind; they too have questions.
Most important: Never, ever make a child cry over a game of chess, if you do, you are doing something wrong. I have seen parents angrily berate a child for losing a game of chess and say foolish things like, "If you would just listen to me and do as I tell you, you wouldn't lose." Please don't do things like this. I know one of the best chess teachers in the country, and he will tell with absolute certainty that it is impossible to never lose a game of chess. Don't expect a child to do what the greatest master's of the game can't do.
The computer is absolutely essential to the successful chess player, and there is so much out there that is free. Chessbase Light is free, and simply great. I have a few movies on how to use it, it is great for solving chess problems and for studying games.
I tell my parents: let the child have chess for themselves. Children have so few choices these days with all the added pressures and demands of school. If not chess, then soccer, if not soccer, then swimming classes. Please, let them have chess for themselves.
Kids love Morphy games. Paul Morphy is one of the greatest tactical players of all time. His games are clear and easily understood, children love playing over his games in Chessbase. (see: Index lower left).
Play in Tournaments: If you commit yourself to a scholastic chess tournament, most of these are daylong events. Come prepared. Bring your laptop, or a book. I have seen parents set up a small office and get a lot of work done.
Many of my parents ask me, "How can I help my child with Chess?"
I always respond, "Have them solve chess problems."
To the right is my Amazon Store. If I were limited to buying two things for my child, I would buy the book; How to Beat Your Dad at Chess, and the software; Chess Tactic for Beginners.
I highly recommend the following:
Books
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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. |
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This book teaches the 50 Deadly Checkmates - basic attacking patterns that occur repeatedly in games between players of all standards. |
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Beginners will benefit from the clear explanation of basic concepts, such as how to utilise a fork, pin, or skewer. Chess Tactics for Kids makes improving easy and fun, and is full of helpful explanations on how to approach chess games with confidence - and success. |
Software
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Have loads fun while learning chess with Chess Tactics for Beginners - the testing and training program intended for all beginners, both children and adults. Each course in this interactive CD contains exercises for both Practice and Test. |
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Grandmaster Edition expands the scope of chess to include broader principles of learning. Josh Waitzkin's much-anticipated book The Art of Learning (Free Press) is designed to pave the road to successful long-term growth on and off the chessboard. Waitzkin then turns to the classics, introducing beginners to brilliant games from some of the most important players in the history of chess. |
