Innovative solitaire chess to teach kids

Chess news and chess trivia blog (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2010

Hi Everyone,

Much of the fun of chess is that you've got an opponent to beat (or lose to). Solitaire chess sounds a little strange. You might as well play patience games with a pack of cards. But this solitaire chess is a novel concept meant specially for kids who are just beginning out on chess.

Solitaire Chess is a 4x4 chess grid with full-sized squares. Included in the game are ten assorted chess pieces and 60 cards with starting positions. The object is to set up the board according to the layout on one of the cards and to make proper chess moves until only one piece remains. Capture a piece with each move until only one piece remains and you win; leave two or more pieces and you lose.

The positions get harder as the child progresses. In fact, if you're a parent or teacher maybe you would like to try the concept. Let us know what other innovative teaching techniques you use for chess with kids.

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's

www.chessblog.com

Also see her personal blog at

www.chessqueen.com