When my brother and I were growing up in the 1960s we used to enjoy watching the tennis at Wimbledon in June, and, excited by this, we'd take our tennis rackets down to the courts at Kneller Gardens and hit a ball around for half an hour. It was fun, but we had no interest …
Author: gentlesoldier
Chess tutor, writer, organiser and player. Ex-bridge player, cryptic crossword solver and ex-compiler. Music lover. Family and local historian. Website programmer and promoter, editor, proofreader.
Third Place
I wonder if you're familiar with the sociological concept of the Third Place. If you're not, let me explain. Your first place is your home. Your second place is the place you have an obligation to attend: your place of work or study: school, college or university. Your third place is where you go because …
Learning Endings
When I'm teaching beginners of secondary school age I'll plunge straight into endings rather than going through the minichess games which are ideal for younger learners. You could also consider endings as minichess games as they start from positions with only a few pieces on the board. This is the point where we introduce the …
Understanding Minichess
The Steps course takes place in tutorial groups and comprises, in part, lots of worksheets. Some children will enjoy this approach, but others will not. You might also think, like we do, that children spend quite enough time in classrooms already, and need more time for play. So I prefer to promote chess using short …
Teaching Beginners
It's always exciting, isn't it? You buy a new game, eagerly open the box and have a quick look at the rules before starting to play a complete game. You can't wait to dive in and really don't want to waste a moment. It's probably how most children learn chess, and it's also very much …
Chess and Piaget: What Science Says About Children’s Chess
Let's start with this, which you'll find in various places on the internet. Yes, I know there's been much criticism of Piaget, and quite rightly so as well, but this will serve as a starting point. I would consider learning how the pieces move to be a Concrete Operational activity, suitable for children aged between …
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The Right Age to Start Chess
What is the best age for children to start chess? The only correct answer is that it depends. It depends on the child, but, even more so, it depends on the parents. It also depends on what you mean by chess. The best age for your children to start chess might be 5, or perhaps …
A New Chess Club for Children
We’re thrilled to announce that we’re starting a new chess and strategy games club for children in Twickenham Library next month. The club will be run by Marie Gallagher and myself. Marie, who is a former (and perhaps future) member of Richmond & Twickenham Chess Club, has many years experience running primary school chess clubs. …
Twickenham Library Junior Chess Club 