Expert: Wuyanbu Zutali - 6/11/2008

Question
Hi,

I do not know how to play chess, but I intend to learn how because I want to teach my children how to play it. Presently, they are too young to learn the full game--ages 2 and 4.  But I was wondering if there might be some simple game they could play using the chess board and some playing pieces that they might find fun and that would introduce them to some aspects of the game. Any ideas?

Answer
Yes, by all means.

They can learn the "pawn game."

It shows them how to move the pawns, how to capture, pawn promotion, plus basic end game strategy.

All you have to do is setup the board with pawns only.
First one who gets a Queen wins! You can even teach them enpassant.

The second game I call "The Attack Game."  Clear the board and just use a Queen. You quickly place a piece on the board and ask them to capture it if they can. (Mix in illegal moves) If they can't they have to say "I can't. Go to a rook and do the same thing, next a bishop etc..even use the King to say "Tow Kings can't attack each other. The faster they can capture pieces the more they like it!

I hope this helps.