Learning chess to a 3.5 years old boy (General)

by Mahout, Friday, April 25, 2008, 12:30 (6203 days ago) @ Fausto Alava-Moreno

Age 5 is a more typical age to start learning chess and there was a lovely large picture book (now sadly out of print) that explained the basics of chess in a story.

5 years old is about the age I started with my boys....and it seems an ideal age. There is a real danger in attempting to teach the game before the age of 5 in that when your child is a little older they may then decide that chess is for little babies and they don't want to play it anymore. At age 3.5 they are still at home or somewhere being cared for on an individual basis. At age 5, school is starting and many other changes where they let go of being a toddler...and you wouldn't wish him to discard chess with these changes.

Having said that it's true that every child is different so maybe some are ready for chess at age three.

But it might be better to have a friend around to play chess from time to time....when he can watch but mustn't disturb you! Now perhaps chess becomes a world that he is not yet allowed into...he has to wait until he's older. And when the time is right you will have an eager student who can't wait to learn the rules of chess and sit and play with Dad.

That just my thoughts...hope you find it useful

Also: http://www.chesskids.com/ has some good information for parents.

Good luck