Where to start
- Meet the pieces: king, queen, rook, bishop, knight, pawn and how each moves. Table.
- Pawns-only game: who reaches the last rank first (on one device, leaving the other pieces alone).
- Computer, Easy, as White: the first real games.
Why the Easy level suits children
- 80 % of the computer’s moves are random, so the child captures pieces, delivers mate and feels the win.
- No clock, no rush. ↩ Undo gives a “think again” chance.
- Once winning, move to Medium: one move in three is random, the rest are serious.
With a parent on one device
In 👫 mode you take turns on one phone. Have the child explain each move aloud (“the knight here, because…”), the most effective exercise. Make deliberate mistakes and let the child spot them.
Safety
- No sign-up, password, phone number or e-mail: just a name (any name).
- There is no chat in the game, so no messaging with strangers.
- Computer and one-device modes involve no online opponent; one appears only if you choose it.
A weekly plan
- Monday to Wednesday: one Easy game a day, then one question: “which move was the best?”
- Thursday and Friday: with a parent on one device, no clock.
- Saturday: try the Medium level. Sunday: rest.
FAQ
From what age can a child start?
Meet the pieces at 5–6, play full games from 7–8. The key is 10–15 minutes a day without pressure.
My child gets upset when losing
Easy level plus ↩ Undo: a mistake is a chance to replay. On one device, play evenly on purpose and let the child deliver the final mate.
What does chess give a child?
Concentration, planning ahead, responsibility for results and learning to accept a loss, all through play, no teacher needed.
Chess online — all topics10 pages