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Chess

For the grown-up beside a child who loves chess.

The child's own door is Chess on Spark & Anvil.

There is no Whetstone tool or course for chess yet, so this page is the sideline card and your child's ladder.

The sideline card

Three numbers to notice

  1. The clock: in a time like 90+30, each player starts with 90 minutes, and 30 seconds are added after every move.
  2. The squares have names, a1 to h8, a letter and a number. The scoresheet uses them.
  3. Each side starts with 16 pieces on a board of 64 squares.

On the way home, ask: “Which move today surprised you most?”

Ask because you are curious, and let any answer stand. Print this page for a half-page card.

Numbers checked against: FIDE Laws of Chess (from 1 January 2023)

Your child's ladder · on Spark & Anvil

The same idea at every age

  1. Ages 3–5Not made yet
  2. Ages 6–8Not made yet
  3. Ages 9–14Grains on a Chessboard
  4. Ages 15–18Counting the Game Tree

Your child will meet this idea again at every age. The sideline card is the part for you.