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DS5 has been playing chess since 3 and does not need to be taught how to play, how the pieces move, or any of that (and would likely to be annoyed with having to review this stuff). However, his father and I are total chess novices and have no ability/interest to teach him further. We have chess opportunities in the area and I am considering the possibility that this could be a good outlet for him, but he needs some more instruction on strategy. Any software to recommend? He is a fluent reader, so that is of no concern, but he is still 5 and would likely enjoy something fun and child-oriented. I was looking at various Fritz and Chesster products.

Nobody? Nothing? Pretty please???

Fritz and Chesster 1,2, and 3. Best.software.EVER! The first one does begin with how the pieces move but in a fun way that also immediately deals with the strategic significance of the movement. Quickly in the first disc, you learn notation, opening principles, and basic checkmates. 1 and 3 are just as good. We also like Majestic Chess.

Hi ultramarina,

I remember seeing your posts over a year ago about your then 3-year old son's amazing chess ability. I don't have any specific software recommendations (DS11 has moved on to chess software for adults).

In terms of books though, I highly recommend "How to beat your dad at chess". It's available in most bookstores, and you should be able to read it and determine if it's a good fit for your son.

It might also be time for him to play at actual tournaments. For kids 8 and under, there are usually short games where an entire 4-game tournament is over within a couple of hours. And depending upon how he likes it, and his maturity level, coaching might be the next step.

I know this activity quite well. Let me know if you have additional questions, and feel free to send a PM.

We found that Dinosaur Chess to be a fun version that has helped introduce the basics to our DS4.

mithawk--We are very fortunate that his school next year has an excellent chess club and competitive chess team he can join (even in K). I am really excited for him. He hasn't been playing much recently--I'm afraid he can't get much interest from the rest of us--and I think he would benefit and enjoy some time with a program before school. He still sometimes cries when he loses his queen (his grandfather is quite good and never lets him win--this is okay by us) so I wonder if he is mature enough for tournaments, but we'll see!

I was just hoping SOMEone had used Fritz and Chesster, so yay! He definitely needs to learn openings, etc. Then he can start to memorize and apply some skills, but as of now his only knowledge comes from grandpa, and we don't see him often. (They sometimes play on the Internet, but it's not the same.) He has some great native talent for the game, but I'm not sure how he will do against kids who have been coached/taught.

My DS used to use Chess Titans to play with a friend of his who has no idea how. The novice player can click and see which moves are available for each piece, whereas the player who knows the game doesn't have to. It sounds like it might be below the level of need for your DS, who could benefit from learning higher level strategies. You're lucky you have opportunities in your area - have you contacted the club administrators for suggestions? They might be able to help.

I also don't have enough experience with the game to help my kids get better. Once they reached and surpassed my level I was pretty much useless.

I'm so sad that my two are past their Chess obsession. DS got a chess set for his 6th birthday and within a few days he and his sister (then 7) were hooked and played daily. I asked the school about a chess club and it had been cancelled (of course). I looked for a local community chess club and there are none in our area (of course). Lots of sports, arts and crafts stuff, but no chess. sigh.