Winning Chess Exercises for Kids: Practice Moves, Tactics, and Strategies to Outsmart Your Opponent

by Viktoria Ni

Practice makes progress! Sharpen your chess skills—and win more games—with this fun workbook of chess exercises for kids ages 8 to 12.

Remembering rules, understanding all the different tactics and strategies, and recognizing patterns of play—chess can be a complicated game to learn! That’s why Woman International Master (WIM) Viktoria Ni created this chess workbook with clear step-by-step instructions and annotated diagrams that show chess concepts in action. Packed with fun exercises, Winning Chess Exercises for Kids will help kids better recognize chess strategy and execute key chess tactics during the opening, middle game, and endgame. Whether your kid is just starting to play chess or is already chess-obsessed and wants to take their skills to the next level, this workbook will help them learn faster, practice smarter, and win more!

Chess fundamentals every player should know. From strong chess openings and common checkmate patterns to potent attack tactics and clever defensive strategies.  Over 350 exercises to play, practice, and solve. Increase understanding of chess basics and improve pattern recognition and board visualization.Clear annotated diagrams. Make learning and understanding chess tactics a breeze.Learn from a Woman International Master and expert teacher. Kid-friendly instruction that is accessible for beginners and stimulating for more experienced chess players.Answer key with explanations. So kids can better understand the thinking behind each move.

Genres: Chess

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2024

Reviews

[Julia✨Book Reviews by Jules✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting access to this wonderful book in exchange for my honest review.

As someone who has never played chess, but always wondered about it, I enjoyed this book. I learned a lot about chess. This book would definitely not be suited for very young readers though.

My blog is https://bookreviewsbyjules.blogspot.com/

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4...

Instagram/bookstagram https://www.instagram.com/bookreviews...

Thank you!

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

"Winning Chess Exercises for Kids" is a delightful and instructive workbook designed to empower young chess enthusiasts. Authored by Woman International Master (WIM) Viktoria Ni, this book provides a dynamic learning experience for budding chess players aged 8 to 12.

Chess, with its intricate rules and multifaceted strategies, can be both fascinating and bewildering. Viktoria Ni recognizes this challenge and presents a comprehensive guide that demystifies the game. Whether your child is a novice or already captivated by the chessboard, this workbook promises to enhance their skills, boost confidence, and foster a true love for the game.

1. **Structured Learning:** Ni's step-by-step instructions ensure that young learners grasp essential concepts. From openings to endgames, the book covers it all.

With over 350 exercises interactive exercises, kids can actively engage with the material. These exercises reinforce understanding, pattern recognition, and strategic thinking.

Clear diagrams accompany each exercise, making complex moves accessible. Ni's annotations provide valuable insights into the reasoning behind each move.

This book covers strong openings, checkmate patterns, attack tactics, and defensive strategies. It's a holistic approach to chess mastery.

Ni's writing style is approachable and engaging. She bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that young readers stay motivated.

As a Woman International Master, Ni brings her expertise to the table. Her insights are invaluable for both beginners and more experienced players.

The book includes explanations for each exercise, allowing kids to understand the thought process behind every move.

"Winning Chess Exercises for Kids" is more than a workbook—it's a mentor!

Whether your child (or any beginning player) dreams of becoming a grandmaster or simply enjoys the thrill of a well-played game, this book is a must-have. So, grab your chessboard, set up the pieces, and embark on a journey of strategic brilliance!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by an international master in chess, this book helps both beginners and advanced chess players play their best.

My 7 & 8 year old sons love to play chess with their dad, so this title caught my eye. The diagrams in the book offer exercises to test your knowledge and strategy. Kids can use this book to learn how to play chess for the first time. If they have experience playing chess, they can skip ahead to some of the more advanced exercises in the book. There is an answer key in the back of the book which gives not only the answer, but also an explanation.

I also have to mention how much I love the cover! The graphics are adorable and will appeal to children and parents alike!

The would be the perfect workbook for young chess lovers ages 8-12. I will be purchasing a physical copy for my boys.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Stina Pettersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this book. As a person who has been trying to learn chess for so long, this was super helpful. I already knew the basics of chess, but getting helpful tips in strategy and tactics is super helpful. Now i might actually be able to put up a fight against my friends when i'm playing with them. The book coveres everything, from the basics of what the different pieces do, and how tohey move, to more advanced things such as tactics and different strategies that can be employed to win a match.

I love the way the questions are structured. It gives a lot of real life chess situations, that you might meet when playing. It makes you think in a strategic way, while also being able to visualize the situation. The answer key in the back is also super easy to follow.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeffrey Hagerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for my two sons but I read it also and I thought it was excellent. It was great for beginners but then went to a level that was more advanced than what I anticipated. In addition to the theory, there are about 300 puzzles ranging from beginner to intermediate which makes this book a very worthwhile purchase.

[Jayasree B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chess is not for everyone, but once you get hooked to it, there is no getting out. It is such a wonderful game, This book is a good one when it comes to reeling people in. If you are beginning to learn the game or want another perspective and some interesting tidbits about the game and its strategies, this book is you.
Well read and enjoyed.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Winning Chess Exercises for Kids is an appealing and accessible chess primer for all ages by Viktoria Ni. Released 19th March 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Zeitgeist imprint, it's 173 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a well rounded basic guide with introduction, rules, and good overviews over strategy for openings, midgame, developments, attacking, and endgame strategy. It's apparently aimed at youngsters circa 6-11 years, but honestly there are takeaways here for all ages.

The book is graphically appealing, with fun anthropomorphic chess pieces throughout (see cover art). The theory she presents is sound and it would work for solo study, tutoring, or more formal chess instruction in a class/group setting.

Five stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, and gift giving.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[George Stenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for new and intermediate chess players. There are eleven chapters covering key topics. The topics are reinforced by more that 300 puzzles that are related to the topics in the chapter. It is an excellent way to reinforce what has been presented.

I have a physical copy and the kindle version. I prefer the kindle version because the puzzles are larger. However, the puzzles in the paper copy are still easy to read because there are a maximum of four puzzles per page. I have other chess puzzle books that have as many as 8 - 12 puzzles per page and are an eye chart test for me.

I will definitely use for my grade school chess team. Highly recommended because the instructions are clear, concise, and easy to follow.

[Книжни Криле · Rating 5 out of 5]

Книгата „Шахмат за деца“ от Виктория Ни, издадена от Хермес, е едно от най-пълните и достъпни въведения в света на шахмата, създадени специално за начинаещи млади играчи. С обем от 168 страници, тя комбинира ясни обяснения, визуални схеми и игрови предизвикателства, за да превърне една на пръв поглед сложна дисциплина в приятно и вдъхновяващо приключение. Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле": https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...

[Bube Ale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winning chess from Viktori Ni is a great way to learn a new things for chess. It is a interactive way that helps you to learn how to play chess better. My teens love to play chess in winter, so I will buy one copy for them to mastering theirs ability to win and to learn how lo lose the game! Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and to learn for chess! Viktoria Ni must to continue to write many of these books!

[Sally Wilsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

While we were at the mall my granddaughter saw a large chess set that you could play and wanted to learn how. I used to play but forgot a lot so when I saw this book I had to read it. Written so children can understand (including grandmas), you’ll be playing in no time. The illustrations are very helpful. I also like the information on the history of chess is included.

[Chelsea Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it’s for kids, but I’m 37 and the puzzles really helped me out. I even nailed today’s chess dot com daily puzzle on the first try today- worth it.