Beginners’ first moves

ON THIS PAGE

Introduction

Lesson plan

Unit 1:  The basics

Unit 2:  Special moves and tactics

Unit 3:  Notation

Unit 4:  The 3 phases of a chess game

Assessment

Overall assessment of Units 1-4.

Evaluation Level 1

Evaluation Level 2

Evaluation Level 3

Introduction

Lesson plan approach

The lesson plan consists of 4 units and each unit consists of lessons which describes the various chess concepts, rules and principles. In each lesson hyperlinks are used to take you to the various sections of a discussion – some words are highlighted on which you can “click” to take you to the relevant discussion.

Teaching is done through a structured and systematic step-by-step approach.

In unit 1 we introduce you to the basics of chess: we define chess, discuss the origin of chess, show you how to set up the chess board and show you the basic moves of the various chess pieces.

  • In lesson 1 we define chess and discuss in a nutshell the origin of chess – where, when and how chess started.
  • In lessons 2-3 we discuss the various “parts” of the chessboard.
  • From lessons 4-15 we teach you the names, moves and rules of each chess piece.
  • Each lesson concludes with a short quiz to assess your knowledge of the specific chess concepts, rules and principles.
  • Each lesson, from Lessons 2-15, starts with a revision quiz of the previous lesson(s) to refresh your mind – to determine how much of the information in the previous lesson(s) you have comprehended and retained!

In unit 2 we add and discuss the special moves and tactics of each chess piece.

In unit 3 we put all the moves on the board into writing (“Notation“)!

In unit 4 we show you the basic planning of your moves during a game.

Once you have completed the full lesson plan (Units 1-4) you can challenge yourself with an evaluation to test your understanding of all the beginners chess theory! Various chess exams will be available soon (pawn exam, Rook exam, Knight exam, Bishop exam, Queen exam and King exam) with an online printable certificate.

Training program

Weekly training sessions can vary from 1 session to 2-4 sessions. Many schools, for example, only have 1 weekly training session of an average duration of 60-90 minutes. In such instances players also have to practise at home 2-3 days per week to reinforce the chess information learned to make more progress.

Pre-schoolers can start off with 10-20 minutes per training session and can gradually increase training to 20-30 minutes per session. Many pre-schoolers’ concentration time is only 10-20 minutes and many grade 1 and 2 learners’ concentration time is 20-30 minutes maximum! Other beginners can start off with 20-30 minutes per training session and can gradually increase training to 45-60 minutes+.

You don’t have to complete a full lesson in one training session. Some learners learn fast whilst others need more time to comprehend new concepts. You can spread lessons over a few training sessions, eg. Lessons 1-3 in Unit 2 (Special Moves and Tactics) on the pawns can be spread over 4-6 or even more sessions:

  • Session 1:  Centre control & a pawn fork.
  • Session 2:  Pawn promotion, pawn underpromotion, pawn check.
  • Sessions 3 &4:  En passant (this is a difficult concept and can be spread over 2 sessions).
  • Session 5:  Passed pawns, connected pawns
  • Session 6:  Game time – the pawn game! This time you integrate the special moves and tactics of the pawns.

Before we start with our first lesson, what chess equipment do you need to learn chess?

  • You only need a chess set (the board and the pieces)! You don’t need an expensive chess set – the standard vinyl chess board and Staunton chess pieces or any other affordable chess set are all you need at this stage.
  • You also need motivation, focus, passion and curiosity to learn the noble sport of kings!
  • And a willingness to work hard!

Guidance or self-pacing?

Pre-schoolers and learners who cannot read yet needs definite guidance – we advise that an educator or a facilitator guides the learner through the lesson plan. However, any learner (whether in primary or high school) who wants to start with chess can be guided by a passionate educator or facilitator. Please see the section on teaching chess to beginners.

The educator or facilitator teaches the learner through a systematic structured 3-step approach of show, explain (describe) and do so that you can see, hear and do yourself. The info in each lesson is broken down in understandable steps or smaller chunks of information and illustrated with examples.

If you do not have a teacher or coach to teach you, do not despair, you CAN study chess on your own and become proficient at chess – Bobby Fischer, the 1972 world chess champion, is a great example of a self-educated chess player!

Let’s start with the first steps on your path to achieve your chess vision!

LESSON PLAN

The objectives of the program:

  • to equip the learners with the basic rules of chess necessary to play chess.
  • to increase their confidence.
  • to give learners the basics of thinking, and developing cognitive and non cognitive skills.
  • to maximise the impact that chess education can have on their future – how the educator/facilitator teaches and what the educator/facilitator teaches can have a huge impact on the lives of the learners!

3-Step approach

If you have an educator/facilitator who will assist you with your chess lessons he or she will go through a 3-step approach of showing, explaining (describing) and doing!

  • The educator/facilitator shows the learner the set up of the chess board and the moves and special moves of the different chess pieces – the learner sees the set up of the chess board and the moves and special moves of the different chess pieces  (visual).
  • The educator/facilitator describes (explains) to the learner the set up of the chess board and the moves and special moves of the different chess pieces – the learner hears how to set up the chess board and how the different chess pieces move and make special moves (auditory).
  • The educator/facilitator shows the learner how to do the set up of the chess board and the moves and special moves of the different chess pieces self – the learner does the set up of the board and the moves and special moves of the chess pieces self (kinaesthetic).

UNIT 1:  THE BASICS

In unit 1 we introduce you to the basics of chess: we define chess, discuss the origin of chess, show you how to set up the chess board and show you the basic moves of the various chess pieces.

The learner can “stretch” the lesson plan of Unit 1 over a longer period of time – it all depends on the chess skills development levels of the learners. However, do not be in a hurry to master the concepts all at once – keep the step-by-step approach in mind when learning new concepts!

In each lesson hyperlinks are used to take you to various sections of a discussion – some words are highlighted on which you can “click” to take you to the relevant discussion.

Lesson 1: The definition and origin of chess

In the first lesson the educator/facilitator introduces the learners to the definition and origin of chess.

The definition of chess

Chess is a two-player strategy board game played on a chequered board which consists of an 8 x 8 grid of 32 white (light) and 32 black (dark) squares – a total of 64 squares. Chess boards come in various forms – from small magnetic boards to wooden, glass, vinyl and computerised boards for 2 players or 4-player boards, solitaire chess boards and even 6-player circular boards! Chess is also played on the internet or via email.

Each player has 16 pieces (8 pawns, 2 Rooks, 2 Knights, 2 Bishops, 1 Queen and 1 King). The pieces come in various colours: black, white, red, blue, yellow, green, orange, purple, pink, etc. Each piece is moved according to specific rules.

The ultimate goal is to put the King in checkmate! However, chess is also about improving academic ability and developing important life skills!

How would you define chess? Take your first quiz!

QUIZ

Get Started!

Your Score:  

Your Ranking:  

Now on to our further exploration of chess – where, when and how did it all start?

The origin of chess

Various origins of chess are claimed. However, we shall keep to the following origins:

  • The game of chess originated in India in the 6th century and according to tradition an Indian philosopher discovered chess. He created a game that would symbolise a battle between two armies and called it “Chatarunga”, which means “war game”. According to Jacobus de Cessolis, a Dominican Monk, the Indian philosopher created the game of chess to reform a corrupt King. The game symbolised his kingdom and his servants.
  • To capture the King we put the King in checkmate and the game is over! The Persian words for checkmate is ‘shah mat‘ – ‘shah‘ means King and ‘mat‘ means helpless or defeated.
  • A famous 19th century chess player from England, Howard Staunton, inspired the uniformity of chess rules and the use of standardised chess pieces at chess tournaments. Today the Staunton chess pieces are used worldwide at tournaments.
  • The first official World Chess Championship was held in 1886 in the USA and contested by two famous chess players, Johannes Zukertort and Wilhelm Steinitz (the first official World Chess Champion). The present world chess champion is Magnus Carlsen who won the title in 2013, 2014 and in 2016. The 2017 Chess World Cup winner for men is Levon Aronian from Armenia. The 2017 women’s World Chess Championship was won by Tan Zhongyi from China.
  • The governing body of international chess tournaments is called The Federation Internationale des Echecs (FIDE) founded in 1924 in Paris, France (www.fide.com). CHESSA (Chess South Africa) is the governing body of chess in South Africa (www.chessa.co.za).

Off to our next quiz – can you remember where, when and how chess started?

QUIZ

Get Started!

Your Score:  

Your Ranking:  

In the following lessons you are going to learn all about the chess board – make sure that you understand every concept properly before you move on to the next lesson!

Lessons 2-3: The chess board

The chess board lessons consist of:

  • a revision of the previous lesson.
  • the chess board .
  • the squares.
  • the ranks, files and diagonals.
  • setting up the chess pieces on the chess board.
  • a short quiz to test the learner’s knowledge as part of continuous assessment.
  • practising the set up of the board.
  • cross-references to other chess information.

Before you start with the chess board please revise lesson 1 (the definition and origin of chess)

Revision: Definition and Origin of Chess

Please answer all the questions!

  • The chess board is a chequered board which consists of a 8 x 8 grid of 64 squares [32 white (light) squares and 32 black (dark) squares].
  • There are 16 white pieces and 16 black pieces (each player has 8 pawns, 2 Rooks, 2 Knights, 2 Bishops, 1 Queen and 1 King). Each piece is moved according to specific rules.
  • The pieces move on the chess board along 3 paths: vertically (Files a-h), horizontally (ranks 1-8) and diagonally (diagonals).
  • Always make sure that when you put the chess board in front of you that there is a white square in the right corner on the 1st rank (white: h1) and a white square in the right corner on the 8th rank (black: a8)! Remember: “White-square-Right-square!” or “White-on-the-Right“

White square right-hand corner of the board

Coming up next is our quiz about the chess board!

QUIZ

Get Started!

Your Score:  

Your Ranking:  

In the following lessons you are going to learn all about the pawns – make sure that you understand every concept properly before you move on to the next lessons!

Lessons 4-5: Add the pawns (the soldiers) (Rook pawn: messenger, Knight pawn: city guard, Bishop pawn: innkeeper, Queen pawn: doctor, King pawn: merchant, Bishop pawn: weaver, Knight pawn: blacksmith, Rook pawn: farmer/worker).

The pawn lessons consist of:

  • a revision of the previous lessons.
  • the set up of the pawns.
  • how the pawns move (the rules) and examples.
  • how the pawns capture and examples.
  • the point value of the pawns.
  • a short quiz to test the learner’s knowledge as part of continuous assessment.
  • game time (practising the moves!).
  • cross-references to other chess information

Before you start with the pawns please revise lessons 2-3 (the chessboard).

Revision: The Chess Board

Please answer all the questions!

  • White’s pawns are positioned on the 2nd rank from a2-h2 and Black’s pawns on the 7th rank from a7-h7 of the chess board. Each side has 8 pawns.
  • Explain the rules of the pawns: they move forward 1 square or 2 squares (on the first move only!), they can never move backwards or sideways and can only move forward-diagonally when they capture other pieces.
  • Touch-move.
  • Point value of the pawn: 1 point.
  • Introduce the player(s) to the pawns-only-game. Always start your first move with the d2 pawn or e2 pawn to control the centre The player who reaches the opponent’s side first (the 8th rank for White and the 1st rank for Black) is the winner or the player who has captured the most pawns in a set time limit (eg. 5, 10, 15 or 20 minutes). Don’t forget to shake your opponent’s hand before you start with your game and when you complete the game!
  • The learners participate actively.

Set up the pawns

Set up the white pawns on the 2nd rank and the black pawns on the 7th rank.

Pawn moves

The pawn on d2 moves two squares to d4 and the pawn on f2 moves one square to f3. The pawn on d7 moves two squares to d5 and the pawn on f7 moves one square to f6. PS: A pawn can only move two squares on its first move!

Pawn capture

The pawn on c3 captures the pawn on d4 (c x d) and the pawn on f6 captures the pawn on g5 (f x g). A pawn captures other pieces diagonally only! When you capture a piece of your opponent you replace it by your capturing piece.

Do you know the rules of the pawns? Let’s test your knowledge!

QUIZ

Get Started!

Your Score:  

Your Ranking:  

Game time!

Now that you understand the “basics”  of the pawns you are ready to play the pawn game! Before you start with your game, some tips:

  • Always think a few moves ahead before you move a piece!

If your opponent has moved a piece, check whether that piece is threatening any of your pieces. How will you counter a threat from your opponent?

  • You can move the attacked piece away
  • you can defend the attacked piece
  • You can block the attacking piece
  • You can capture the attacking piece
  • You can counter-attack the attacking piece

Set up your chess board as follows

White starts the game. The player who reaches the opponent’s side first is the winner (white to reach the 8th rank and black to reach the 1st rank or the player who has captured the most pawns in a set time limit (eg. 5, 10, 15 or 20 minutes). !

In the following lessons you are going to learn all about the Rooks – please make sure that you understand every concept properly before you move on to the next lesson!

Lessons 6-7: Add the Rooks (the lookout-towers, castles)

The Rook lessons consist of:

  • a revision of the previous lessons.
  • the set up of the Rooks.
  • how the Rooks move (the rules) and examples.
  • how the Rooks capture and examples.
  • the point value of the Rooks.
  • a short quiz to test the learner’s knowledge as part of continuous assessment.
  • game time (practising the moves!).
  • cross-references to other chess information.

Before you start with the Rooks please revise lessons 4-5 (the pawns).

Revision: The pawns

Please answer all the questions!

  • White’s Rooks are positioned on the 1st rank (a1 and h1) and Black’s Rooks are positioned on the 8th rank (a8 and h8) in the corners of the chess board – one on each corner. Each side has 2 Rooks.
  • Explain the rules of the Rooks: they can move forward, backward or sideways (not diagonally) and they capture forward, backward, sideways (not diagonally). The Rooks cannot jump over other pieces (except during castling which we will discuss in Unit 2: Special moves and tactics).
  • Touch-move.
  • Point value of the Rook: 5 points.
  • Play a game with the pawns and the Rooks. The player who gets the most points is the winner.
  • The learners participate actively.

Set up the Rooks

Set up the white Rooks on a1 and h1, and the black Rooks on a8 and h8.

Rook moves

The Rook on a1 can move to any square on the 1st rank or to any square on the a-file, and the Rook on h8 can move to any square on the 8th rank or to any square on the h-file.

Pawn and Rook capture

The white Rook on a5 can capture the black pawn on d5 (R x d5), the pawn on c2 can capture the Rook on d3 (c x Rd3). The black pawn on e7 can capture the white Rook on f6 (e x Rf6), the black Rook on h7 can capture the white pawn on h3 (R x h3). When you capture a piece of your opponent you replace it by your capturing piece.

Do you know how the Rooks move? Do you know their point value? Let’s do the quiz!

QUIZ

Get Started!

Your Score:  

Your Ranking:  

Game time!

Now that you understand the ” basics ” of the (R)ooks you are ready to play the pawn-Rook game! Before you start with your game, some tips:

  • Always think a few moves ahead before you move a piece!

If your opponent has moved a piece, check whether that piece is threatening any of your pieces. How will you counter a threat from your opponent?

  • You can move the attacked piece away
  • you can defend the attacked piece
  • You can block the attacking piece
  • You can capture the attacking piece
  • You can counter-attack the attacking piece

Set up your chess board as follows:

Set up the Pawns and Rooks

Set up the Rooks and pawns on their respective squares. White starts the game. The player who gets the most points is the winner (set a time limit of eg. 5, 10, 15 or 20 minutes). Pawn: 1 point. Rook: 5 points.

In the following lessons you are going to learn all about the Knights – please make sure that you understand every concept properly before you move on to the next lesson!

Lessons 8-9: Add the Knights (the mobilers, jumpers, horses)

The Knight lessons consist of:

  • a revision of the previous lessons.
  • the set up of the Knights.
  • how the Knights move (the rules) and examples.
  • how the Knights capture and examples.
  • the point value of the Knights.
  • a short quiz to test the learner’s knowledge as part of continuous assessment.
  • game time (practising the moves!).
  • cross-references to other chess information.

Before you start with the Knights please revise lessons 6-7 (the Rooks).

Revision: The Rooks

Please answer all the questions!

  • White’s Knights are positioned on b1 and g1. Black’s Knights are positioned on b8 and g8 next to the Rooks – one on each side of the Rooks. Each side has 2 Knights.
  • Explain the rules of the Knights: they move in an L-shape and can jump over other pieces, the Knights can only capture the piece on the square where it completes the move.
  • The Knights are stronger in a closed position, because they can jump over other pieces.
  • The knights are also stronger in the centre, because they can control 8 squares from the centre whereas on the edges of the board they can only control 4 squares. Move towards the centre!
  • Touch-move.
  • Point value of the Knight: 3 points
  • Play a game with the pawns, Rooks and Knights or with the pawns and Knights only. The player who gets the most points is the winner.
  • The learners participate actively

Set up the Knights

Set up the white Knights on b1 and g1, and the black Knights on b8 and g8.

Knight moves

The white Knight on b1 moves to c3 in an L-shape (Nc3) the white Knight on g1 moves to e2 in an L-shape (Ne2). The black Knight on b8 moves to d7 in an L-shape (Nd7) the black Knight on g8 moves to f6 in an L-shape (Nf6).

Pawn, Rook and Knight capture

The black Rook on a8 captures the Knight on e8 (N x e8), the white Knight on c3 captures the black Rook on d5 (N x d5), the white pawn on f5 captures the black Knight on g6 (f x g) and the black Knight on f2 captures the white pawn on h3 (N x h3). When you capture a piece of your opponent you replace it by your capturing piece.

The Knight has a special way of moving around on the chess board – can you remember how? Let’s go to the quiz!

QUIZ

Get Started!

Your Score:  

Your Ranking:  

Game time!

Now that you understand the ” basics ” of the (K)nights you are ready to play the pawn-Rook-Knight game! Before you start with your game, some tips:

  • Always think a few moves ahead before you move a piece!

If your opponent has moved a piece, check whether that piece is threatening any of your pieces. How will you counter a threat from your opponent?

  • You can move the attacked piece away
  • you can defend the attacked piece
  • You can block the attacking piece
  • You can capture the attacking piece
  • You can counter-attack the attacking piece

Set up your chess board as follows:

Set up the Pawns, Rooks and Knights

Set up the Rooks, Knights and pawns on their respective squares. White starts the game. The player who gets the most points is the winner (set a time limit of eg. 5, 10, 15 or 20 minutes). Pawn: 1 point. Rook: 5 points. Knight: 3 points.

In the following lessons you are going to learn all about the Bishops – please make sure that you understand every concept properly before you move on to the next lesson!

Lessons 10-11: Add the Bishops (the advisors)

The Bishop lessons consist of:

  • a revision of the previous lessons.
  • the set up of the Bishops.
  • how the Bishops move (the rules) and examples.
  • how the Bishops capture and examples.
  • the point value of the Bishops.
  • a short quiz to test the learner’s knowledge as part of continuous assessment.
  • game time (practising the moves!).
  • cross-references to other chess information.

Before you start with the Bishops please revise lessons 8-9 (the Knights).

Revision: The Knights

Please answer all the questions!

  • White’s Bishops are positioned on c1 and f1. Black’s Bishops are positioned on c8 and f8 next to the Knights – one on each side of the Knights. Each side has 2 Bishops.
  • Explain the rules of the Bishops: they can only move diagonally on the same-colour-squares (eg, if a Bishop stands on a black square it can only move diagonally on the black squares), they can only capture diagonally. The Bishops cannot jump over other pieces. The Bishops are stronger in an open position, because it can move freely over the chessboard.
  • Touch-move.
  • Point value of the Bishop: 3 points.
  • Play a game with the pawns, Rooks, Knights and Bishops or the pawns and Bishops only. The player who gets the most points is the winner.
  • The learners participate actively.

Set up the Bishops

Set up the white Bishops on c1 and f1, and the black Bishops on c8 and f8.

Bishop moves

The white Bishop on c1 moves to a3 or d2, the white Bishop on f1 moves to b5 or h3. The black Bishop on c8 moves to a6 or g4, the black Bishop on f8 moves to e7 or h6.

Pawn, Rook, Knight and Bishop capture

The black Bishop b4 captures the white pawn on c5 (B x c5) and the black Knight on d6 captures the white Bishop on b5 (N x b5).  The white pawn on f5 captures the black pawn on e6 (f x e), the white Knight on g1 captures the black Bishop on f3 (N x f3) and the white Rook on h2 captures the black Knight on h5 (R x h5). When you capture a piece of your opponent you replace it by your capturing piece.

Now for the Bishop quiz! Let’s go!

QUIZ

Get Started!

Your Score:  

Your Ranking:  

Game time!

Now that you understand the ” basics ” of the (B)ishops you are ready to play the pawn-Rook-Knight-Bishop game! Before you start with your game some tips:

  • Always think a few moves ahead before you move a piece!

If your opponent has moved a piece, check whether that piece is threatening any of your pieces. How will you counter a threat from your opponent?

  • You can move the attacked piece away
  • you can defend the attacked piece
  • You can block the attacking piece
  • You can capture the attacking piece
  • You can counter-attack the attacking piece

Set up your chess board as follows:

Set up the pawns, Rooks, Knights and Bishops

Set up the Rooks, Knights, Bishops and pawns on their respective squares. White starts the game. The player who gets the most points is the winner (set a time limit of eg. 5, 10, 15 or 20 minutes). Pawn: 1 point. Rook: 5 points. Knight: 3 points. Bishop: 3 points.

In the following lessons you are going to learn all about the Queens – please make sure that you understand every concept properly before you move on to the next lesson!

Lessons 12-13: Add the Queens (the “First Ladies”)

The Queen lessons consist of:

  • a revision of the previous lessons.
  • the set up of the Queens.
  • how the Queens move (the rules) and examples.
  • how the Queens capture and examples.
  • the point value of the Queens.
  • a short quiz to test the learner’s knowledge as part of continuous assessment.
  • game time (practising the moves!).
  • cross-references to other chess information.

Before you start with the Queens please revise lessons 10-11 (the Bishops).

Revision: The Bishops

Please answer all the questions!

  • The Queen is positioned between the Bishop (White c1, Black c8) and the King (White e1, Black e8). Each side has 1 Queen.
  • Explain the rules of the queens: the queens are placed on their own colour squares (white queen white square, black queen black square), they move forwards, backwards, sideways or diagonally and capture in the same manner. The Queens cannot jump over other pieces. They are the strongest pieces on the chess board – treat them with great care!
  • Touch-move.
  • Point value of the Queen: 9 points.
  • Play a game with the pawns, Rooks, Knights, Bishops and Queens or with the pawns and Queens only. The player who gets the most points is the winner.
  • The learners participate actively.

Set up the Queens

Set up the white Queen on d1 and the black Queen on d8.

Queen moves

.

The white Queen on d1 moves to d4 (Qd4) or f3 (Qf3) or h1 (Qh1) or a1 (Qa1) or a4 (Qa4). The black Queen on d8 moves to h8 (Qh8) or h4 (Qh4) or d5 (Qd5) or a5 (Qa5) or a8 (Qa8).

Pawn, Rook, Knight, Bishop and Queen capture

When you capture a piece of your opponent you replace it by your capturing piece. The black Queen on b7 captures the white Rook on a6 (Q x a6), the black Knight on b3 captures the white pawn on c5 (N x c5), the black Rook on c1 captures the White Queen on c3, the white Bishop on d5 the black pawn f7, the black pawn on e3 captures the white Knight on f2 and the black Rook on h3 captures the white Bishop on h6.

In Unit 3 (Notation) we discuss the different notation symbols and how to write your moves.

In the next quiz we test your knowledge about the “first lady” of the chess kingdom: the Queen!

QUIZ

Get Started!

Your Score:  

Your Ranking:  

Game time!

Now that you understand the ” basics ” of the (Q)ueens you are ready to play the pawn-Rook-Knight-Bishop-Queen game! Before you start with your game, some tips:

  • Always think a few moves ahead before you move a piece!

If your opponent has moved a piece, check whether that piece is threatening any of your pieces. How will you counter a threat from your opponent?

  • You can move the attacked piece away
  • you can defend the attacked piece
  • You can block the attacking piece
  • You can capture the attacking piece
  • You can counter-attack the attacking piece

Set up your chess board as follows:

Set up the pawns, Rooks, Knights, Bishops and Queens

Set up the Rooks, Knights, Bishops, Queens and pawns on their respective squares. White starts the game. The player who gets the most points is the winner (set a time limit of eg. 5, 10, 15 or 20 minutes). Pawn: 1 point. Rook: 5 points. Knight: 3 points. Bishop: 3 points. Queen: 9 points.

In the following lessons you are going to learn all about the Kings – please make sure that you understand every concept properly before you move on to the next lesson!

Lessons 14-15: Add the Kings

The King lessons consist of:

  • a revision of the previous lessons.
  • the set up of the Kings.
  • how the Kings move (the rules) and examples.
  • how the Kings capture and examples.
  • the value of the Kings.
  • a short quiz to test the learner’s knowledge as part of continuous assessment.
  • game time (practising the moves!).
  • cross-references to other chess information.

Before you start with the Kings please revise lessons 12-13 (the Queens).

Revision: The Queens

Please answer all the questions!

    • White’s King is positioned on e1, next to the Queen (d1) and the Bishop (f1). Black’s King is positioned on e8, next to the Queen (d8) and the Bishop (f8). Each side has 1 King.
    • Explain the rules of the Kings: they move only one square at a time forwards, backwards, sideways or diagonally and capture other pieces in the same manner. The Kings cannot jump over other pieces. Very important: the Kings cannot stand next to one another – there must always be a square open between (around) the Kings and they also cannot capture one another!
    • Touch-move and “j’adoube” (adjusting your pieces, not your opponent’s!)
    • The King is not the strongest piece on the chess board, but the most important piece, because if he is in checkmate the game is over! The ultimate goal is to put the King in checkmate (Unit 2).
    • Point value of the King: the total kingdom!
    • Play a game with all the chess pieces. The player who gets the most points is the winner. Don’t check or checkmate the King yet! However, the King can capture the other pieces! (in Unit 2 we discuss check, checkmate and other special moves of the King).
    • The learners participate actively

Set up the Kings

Set up the white King on e1 and the black King on e8.

King moves

The white King on e1 moves to d1 (Kd1) or d2 (Kd2) or e2 (Ke2) or f2 (Kf2) or f1 (Kf1). The black King on e8 moves to f8 (Kf8) or f7 (Kf7) or e7 (Ke7) or d7 (Kd7) or d8 (Kd8).

Pawn, Rook, Knight, Bishop, Queen and King capture

The black Queen on b6 captures white’s pawn on b4 (Q x b4). The white Knight on c3 captures the black Rook on e4 (N x e4). The black Queen on b6 captures the white pawn on b4 (Q x b4). The black King on d7 captures the white pawn on d6 (K x d6). White’s pawn on g6 captures the black Rook on f7 (g x f7). Black’s Bishop on h6 captures white’s Rook on c1 (B x c1). Black’s Knight on g3 captures white’s Knight on f1 (N x f1). White’s King on e1 captures black’s pawn on f2 (K x f2).

When you capture a piece of your opponent you replace it by your [capturing] piece.

Chess is about the King – if the King is in checkmate the game is over! Let’s test your knowledge about the most important piece on the chess board (though not the most powerful!), the King!

QUIZ

Get Started!

Your Score:  

Your Ranking:  

Game time!

Now that the learners understand the ”basics” of the (K)ings and the other chess pieces they are ready to play a game with all the pieces! Think how each piece moves and what the rules of a specific piece are.

  • White always makes the first move in a game and then each player makes a move alternately. Each player can only move one piece per turn (White makes a move, then Black, then White, Black again, etc. till the game finishes).
  • The learners must “toss” before they start with a game (take two pawns and hold it behind your back and put it in your hand in a finger-and-thumb position – your opponent must then say ‘finger’ or ‘thumb’. If the white pawn is in the thumb position and you correctly said ‘thumb’ then you start to play first.
  • The learners must not forget to shake their opponents’ hands before they start with their games and don’t forget the touch-move rule (you must say ‘adjusting’ or ‘j’adoube’ when you adjust your pieces – don’t adjust your opponent’s pieces!).

Before you start with your game, some tips:

  • Always think a few moves ahead before you move a piece!

If your opponent has moved a piece, check whether that piece is threatening any of your pieces. How would you counter a threat from your opponent?

  • You can move the attacked piece away
  • you can defend the attacked piece
  • You can block the attacking piece
  • You can capture the attacking piece
  • You can counter-attack the attacking piece

Set up your chess board as follows:

Set up the pawns, Rooks, Knights, Bishops, Queens and Kings

Set up all the pieces on their respective squares. White starts the game. The player who gets the most points is the winner (after a set time of eg. 10, 20, 30, 40 or 60 minutes). Don’t check or checkmate the King yet and don’t capture the King! However, the King can capture the other pieces! (in Unit 2 we discuss check, checkmate and other special moves of the King).

Which piece should a learner move first? Many players’ first move starts with the King pawn or Queen pawn. Why? To control the centre of the chess board! In unit 3 (the 3 Phases of a chess game) we discuss some first move openings and the objectives or principles of the 3 phases of a game so as to get a better understanding of a game.

The chess scoring system

  • a win is 1 point
  • a draw is 1/2 point
  • a loss is 0 points

Summary of the point value of each piece

  • pawn 1 point
  • [R]ook 5 points
  • K[N]ight 3 points
  • [B]ishop 3 points
  • [Q]ueen 9 points
  • [K]ing the total kingdom!

The learners have completed the chess board, learned the names and values of the different pieces, understand the moves that the various pieces make and have learned specific concepts such as ranks, files, diagonals, touch-move and j’adoube (adjusting).

The learners have build a strong sold foundation in their first 15 lessons – now they are ready to master more advanced beginner chess theory: “Special moves and Tactics” (Unit 2), “Notation” (Unit 3) and the “3 Phases of a chess game” (Unit 4).

Before we start with unit 2, let’s revise the basic moves and rules of the Kings.

Revision: The Kings

Please answer all the questions!

UNIT 2: SPECIAL MOVES AND TACTICS

In unit 1 we have discussed the basics of the various chess pieces. In unit 2 we now add and discuss the special moves and tactics of each chess piece. In each lesson hyperlinks are used to take you to various sections of a discussion – each special move and tactic has one word that is highlighted and which you can “click” to take you to the relevant discussion. Each discussion is concluded with a quiz to assess your understanding of the information.

You can “stretch” the lesson plan of Unit 2 over a longer period of time – it all depends on the chess skills development levels of the learners. However, do not be in a hurry to master the concepts all at once – keep the step-by-step approach in mind when learning new concepts!

Lessons 1-3: The pawns

The pawns can execute special moves and tactics to gain an advantage in a game.

  • Pawn promotion
  • Pawn underpromotion
  • A pawn fork
  • En passant
  • Passed pawns
  • Connected pawns
  • Centre control
  • Check
  • Pawn promotion. Pawns become more valuable when they reach the 1st or 8th ranks to promote to a Queen, Rook, Knight or Bishop! A pawn moves 1 or 2 squares (on its 1st move only!) from its original position till it reaches the 8th rank (white) or the 1st rank (black) to get promoted.

Pawn promotion

During the game white’s pawn on b2 has moved to b8 and promoted to a Queen. White’s pawn on f2 has moved to f8 and promoted to a Rook. During the game black’s pawn on d7 has moved to d1 and promoted to a Bishop. Black’s pawn on h7 has moved to h1 and promoted to a Knight.

  • Pawn underpromotion. When a pawn is not promoted to a Queen, but promoted to a Rook, Knight or Bishop the pawn is underpromoted. Why would you underpromote a pawn? You underpromote a pawn when you want to avoid (prevent) checkmate or stalemate. Underpromotion can also assist you to put your opponent in checkmate! The following examples illustrate underpromotion.

To avoid checkmate

In the example above black moves its pawn from e2 to e1 and promotes to a Queen. This was not a good move by black! Why? Because white now moves its Queen from b8 to b1 and puts black’s King in checkmate as illustrated in the diagram below!

Black should have underpromoted its pawn. Which piece do you think would be the best piece to be underpromoted to so that black is able to avoid checkmate?

Underpromotion to avoid checkmate

Please answer all the questions!

Underpromotion to induce checkmate

Please answer all the questions!

  • A pawn fork.  A player can use a pawn fork as a tactical tool to gain an advantage. In the diagram below the white pawn on d6 forks black’s Rook on c7 and the Knight on e7. The black pawn on g4 forks white’s Knight on f3 and the Rook on h3.

Pawn fork

Pawn fork

Please complete all the questions!

  • Check. The pawn puts the King in check. In the diagram below black’s pawn on c5 puts white’s King on d4 in check.

Pawn checks King

Pawn check

The following question refers to the above diagram (Pawn checks King).

Pawns can also put themselves in disadvantaged positions.

Game time!

We are going to play the pawn game again, but this time we integrate the special moves of the pawns into the game. Let’s see if you can recognise the special moves and tactics!

Always start your first move with the d2 pawn (Queen pawn) or e2 pawn (King pawn) to control the centre The player who reaches the opponent’s side first (the 8th rank for White and the 1st rank for Black) and who promotes to a Queen first is the winner. The game can even end in a draw!

Lessons 4-5: The Rooks

The Rooks can execute special moves and tactics to gain an advantage in a game.

  • A Rook fork
  • A Rook pin
  • A Rook skewer
  • Centre control
  • Check
  • Castling
  • Back rank mate with a Rook

Rook fork

Please complete all the questions!

  • Check. The Rook puts the King in check. In the diagram below white’s Rook on b7 puts black’s King on e7 in check.

Rook checks King

Rook check

The following question refers to the above diagram (Rook checks King).

The Rooks: Special moves and Tactics

Please answer all the questions!

Game time!

We are going to play the pawn and Rook game again, but this time we integrate the special moves of the pawns and the Rooks into the game. Let’s see if you can recognise the special moves and tactics!

Always start your first move with the d2 pawn (Queen pawn) or e2 pawn (King pawn) to control the centre The player who reaches the opponent’s side first (the 8th rank for White and the 1st rank for Black) and who promotes to a Queen first is the winner. The game can even end in a draw!

Lessons 6-7: The Knights

The Knights can execute special moves and tactics to gain an advantage in a game.

  • A Knight fork
  • Centre control
  • Check
  • Smothered mate with a Knight

Knight fork

Please complete all the questions!

  • Centre control.
  • Check. The Knight checks the King.
  • Smothered mate

Game time!

We are going to play the pawn, Rook and Knight game again, but this time we integrate the special moves of the pawns, Rooks and Knights into the game. Let’s see if you can recognise the special moves and tactics!

Always start your first move with the d2 pawn (Queen pawn) or e2 pawn (King pawn) to control the centre The player who reaches the opponent’s side first (the 8th rank for White and the 1st rank for Black) and who promotes to a Queen first is the winner. The game can even end in a draw!

Lessons 8-9: The Bishops

The Bishops can execute special moves and tactics to gain an advantage in a game.

Game time!

We are going to play the pawn, Rook, Knight and Bishop game again, but this time we integrate the special moves of the pawns, Rooks, Knights and Bishops into the game. Let’s see if you can recognise the special moves and tactics!

Always start your first move with the d2 pawn (Queen pawn) or e2 pawn (King pawn) to control the centre The player who reaches the opponent’s side first (the 8th rank for White and the 1st rank for Black) and who promotes to a Queen first is the winner. The game can even end in a draw!

Lessons 10-11: The Queens

The Queens can execute special moves and tactics to gain an advantage in a game.

Game time!

We are going to play the pawn, Rook, Knight, Bishop and Queen game again, but this time we integrate the special moves of the pawns, Rooks, Knights, Bishops and Knights into the game. Let’s see if you can recognise the special moves and tactics!

Always start your first move with the d2 pawn (Queen pawn) or e2 pawn (King pawn) to control the centre The player who reaches the opponent’s side first (the 8th rank for White and the 1st rank for Black) and who promotes to a Queen first is the winner. The game can even end in a draw!

Lessons 12-15: The Kings

The ultimate goal of chess is to put the King in checkmate! Though the King is not the strongest piece on the chess board he is the most important piece, because if he is in checkmate the game is over!

The Kings can execute special moves and tactics to gain an advantage in a game.

The Kings can be put in disadvantaged positions, such as:

In the following positions/situations the game ends in a draw which can be to the advantage of one or both players!

  • Stalemate
  • Threefold repetition – when the same position occurs three times in a game, with the same player to move each time, that player must claim a draw otherwise the player loses his or her right to draw! When the position occurs for the third time after the player’s intended next move, the player writes the move on his or her score sheet, but does not make the move on the board and claims the draw! The right to claim must be made on the repetitive occurrence of the move or the player forfeits the right to claim the draw. PS: A game is automatically a draw if the same position occurs for five consecutive moves by both players (a player does not have to claim a draw!).
  • The 50-Move rule – if in the last 50 moves by each player in a game, no pawn has moved and no piece has been captured, either player must claim a draw if a player wants a draw! If the player whose turn it is to move has made 49 moves, the player writes his or her next move on the score sheet, but does not make the move on the board and claims a draw! The right to claim must be made on that specific move or the player forfeits the right to claim the draw! PS: A game is automatically a draw if no pawn has moved or no piece has been captured in the last 75 moves by each player (a player does not have to claim a draw!). However, If the last move is checkmate, the checkmate will apply!
  • Insuffcient material – when both players have insufficient chess pieces to get checkmate the game ends in a draw. Examples of insufficient material:
    • a King and a Knight against a King
    • a King and a Bishop against a King
    • a King and a Bishop against a King and a Bishop (both Bishops on the same colour)
    • A King against a king
  • Offering a draw (mutual agreement) – a player can offer a draw to his or her opponent at any stage of a game (though the chief-arbiter can announce before a tournament starts that each player must eg. make 30 moves before a draw can be made!). The opponent can accept or reject the draw.

 

To improve your chess we advise that you practise chess puzzles and study chess games regularly!

Let’s test your knowledge about the special moves that the King can execute which other pieces can’t.

The Kings: Special moves and tactics

Please complete all the questions!

Chess clocks. A chess clock is used during tournaments (compulsory at provincial and national levels!). The clock is set for a specific time limit, eg. 30:30 (each player has 30 minutes; total game 60 minutes), 60:60 (each player has 60 minutes; total game 2 hours), 90:90 (each player has 90 minutes; total game 3 hours).

Game time: checkmate!

Now that the learners understand the ”basics” as well as the special moves and tactics of all chess pieces they are ready to play a game with the goal to get the King in checkmate! Think how each piece moves and what the rules of a specific piece are, when can you promote a piece, when can you castle, when can you do ‘en passant‘, when can you promote to a Queen, Rook, Bishop or Knight, when is a move illegal, when is the King in check or checkmate and when is it illegal for the King to move, how to apply tactical tools such as forks and pins. The learners have also learned specific concepts such as touch-move, check, checkmate and j’adoube. If the King is in checkmate the game is over – the game can’t continue!

  • White always makes the first move in a game and then each player makes a move alternately. Each player can only move one piece per turn (White makes a move, then Black, then White, Black again, etc. till the game finishes).
  • The learners must “toss” before they start with a game (take two pawns and hold it behind your back and put it in your hand in a finger-and-thumb position – your opponent must then say ‘finger’ or ‘thumb’. If the white pawn is in the thumb position and you correctly said ‘thumb’ then you start to play first.
  • The learners must not forget to shake their opponents’ hands before they start with their games and don’t forget the touch-move rule and remember you must say adjusting (‘j’adoube’) when you adjust your pieces, eg. one of your pieces stands in the middle of two squares and you want to put the specific piece on its proper square!

Start off with a 20-30 minutes game and gradually increase it to 60 minutes (real tournaments can vary from 1-3 hours+!). Let’s see how you integrate the various special moves and tactics into the game! Which piece should you move first? Start your first move with the d2 pawn (Queen pawn) or e2 pawn (King pawn). Why? To control the centre of the chess board. In unit 4 (the 3 Phases of a chess game) we discuss some first move openings and the objectives or principles of the 3 phases of a game so as to get a better understanding of a game.

The player who puts the opponent in checkmate is the winner – the game could end in a draw!

Before you start with your game, some tips:

  • Always think a few moves ahead before you move a piece!

If your opponent has moved a piece, check whether that piece is threatening any of your pieces. How will you counter a threat from your opponent?

  • You can move the attacked piece away
  • you can defend the attacked piece
  • You can block the attacking piece
  • You can capture the attacking piece
  • You can counter-attack the attacking piece

Remember:

  • To avoid checkmate your King must stay away from the corners of the chessboard!

A quick recap of the chess scoring system and the point value of each chess piece.

The chess scoring system

  • a win is 1 point
  • a draw is 1/2 point
  • a loss is 0 points

Summary of the point value of each piece***

  • pawn 1 point
  • [R]ook 5 points
  • K[N]ight 3 points
  • [B]ishop 3 points
  • [Q]ueen 9 points
  • [K]ing the total kingdom!

Let’s set up the chess board and start with our game!

The learners are now ready to master additional chess theory!

The learners have build a strong sold foundation in unit 1 and have build on to that with the special moves and tactics in unit 2. Before we start with notation in unit 3 let’s revise the special moves of all the chess pieces.

 

UNIT 3:  NOTATION

In unit 1 we have discussed the “Basics” of the various chess pieces. In unit 2 we have added the “Special moves and Tactics” of the various pieces. In unit 3 we put all the moves on the board into writing (“Notation“)! In each lesson hyperlinks are used to take you to various sections of a discussion – some words are highlighted on which you can “click” to take you to the relevant discussion. Each discussion is concluded with a quiz to assess your understanding of the information.

The learners can complete the lesson plan of Unit 3 in a shorter period of time or it can be “stretched” over a longer period of time – it all depends on the chess skills development levels of the learners. However, do not be in a hurry to master the concepts all at once – keep the step-by-step approach in mind when learning new concepts!

Game time – notate your moves!

It is game time again, but with a slight difference – the learners will now integrate everything that they have learned in Unit 1 (“The Basics“) and Unit 2 (The “Special moves and Tactics”), but at the same time notate all their moves (as well as their opponent’s) during the game!

This game has a dual purpose:

  • to put the opponent in checkmate.
  • to give the player a practise session how to notate his or her moves played during a chess game and preparing the learner for his or her first beginners chess tournament!

A player notates each move of his or her chess pieces (and the opponent’s) on a notation pad. If the players do not have notation pads they can notate (write) all their moves on an A4 page – draw a line in the middle of the page – in the left hand column write player A’s name and all his or her moves (number each move) and in the right hand column write player B’s name ans all his or her moves.

A learner doesn’t have to buy a chess clock yet, but will have to consider buying a clock at a later stage (at provincial and national tournaments chess clocks are compulsory) or if the school, chess club, university or library has clocks available the learner can make use of it to practise with and to build self confidence playing with a chess clock!

Are the learners ready for the challenge? Let’s start!

Set up all the pieces on their respective squares. The player who gets the most points or put his or her opponent in checkmate is the winner (after a set time of eg. 10, 20, 30, 40 or 60 minutes).

Before you start with your game, some tips:

  • Always think a few moves ahead before you move a piece!

If your opponent has moved a piece, check whether that piece is threatening any of your pieces. How will you counter a threat from your opponent?

  • You can move the attacked piece away
  • you can defend the attacked piece
  • You can block the attacking piece
  • You can capture the attacking piece
  • You can counter-attack the attacking piece

Remember:

  • To avoid checkmate your King must stay away from the corners of the chessboard!

A quick recap of the chess scoring system and the point value of each chess piece.

The chess scoring system

  • a win is 1 point
  • a draw is 1/2 point
  • a loss is 0 points

Summary of the point value of each piece***

  • pawn 1 point
  • [R]ook 5 points
  • K[N]ight 3 points
  • [B]ishop 3 points
  • [Q]ueen 9 points
  • [K]ing the total kingdom!

Once the learners completed their games, the learners submit their notation score sheets for assessment and feedback.

The learners have build a sold foundation in unit 1 and have build on to that with the special moves and tactics in unit 2. In unit 3 the learners have learned how to notate the moves of their chess pieces in unit 4 we discuss the 3 phases of a chess game, but before we start with unit 4 let’s revise the basic principles of notation.

Revision of notation

UNIT 4:  THE 3 PHASES OF A CHESS GAME

In unit 1 we have discussed the “Basics” of the various chess pieces. In unit 2 we have discussed the “Special moves and Tactics” of the various pieces and in unit 3 we have showed you how to put your moves in writing (“Notation“)! In unit 4 we show you the basic planning of your moves during a game. In each lesson hyperlinks are used to take you to various sections of a discussion – some words are highlighted on which you can “click” to take you to the relevant discussion. Each discussion is concluded with a quiz to assess your understanding of the information.

Game time: preparing for your first chess tournament!

The learners understand the ”basics”, they know how to apply the special moves and tactics and they can notate the moves of their chess pieces. To strengthen the learners’ readiness and preparedness for their first beginner chess tournament we have added the 3 Phases of a Chess game in unit 4 to get a better understanding of a chess game.

This practise game will now test the players’ comprehension and integration of the info learned in all 4 units and will be the players’ biggest challenge up to now!

The players can again start off with a 20-30 minutes game and gradually increase it to 60 minutes (real tournaments can vary from 1-3 hours+!). Let’s see how the players integrate all 4 units.

  • Unit 1: The Basics
  • Unit 2: The Special moves and Tactics
  • Unit 3: Notation
  • Unit 4: The 3 Phases of a Chess game.

The player who puts the opponent in checkmate is the winner – the game could end in a draw!

Before you start with your game, some tips:

  • Always think a few moves ahead before you move a piece!

If your opponent has moved a piece, check whether that piece is threatening any of your pieces. How will you counter a threat from your opponent?

  • You can move the attacked piece away
  • you can defend the attacked piece
  • You can block the attacking piece
  • You can capture the attacking piece
  • You can counter-attack the attacking piece

Remember:

  • To avoid checkmate your King must stay away from the corners of the chessboard!

A quick recap of the chess scoring system and the point value of each chess piece.

The chess scoring system

  • a win is 1 point
  • a draw is 1/2 point
  • a loss is 0 points

Summary of the point value of each piece***

  • pawn 1 point
  • [R]ook 5 points
  • K[N]ight 3 points
  • [B]ishop 3 points
  • [Q]ueen 9 points
  • [K]ing the total kingdom!

The learners have build a sold foundation in unit 1 and have build on to that with the special moves and tactics in unit 2. In unit 3 the learners have learned how to notate the moves of their chess pieces and in unit 4 we have discussed the 3 phases of a chess game.

Before the learners take part in their first chess tournament, we first revise unit 4 and thereafter the learners will complete the overall “Learner Evaluation“.

Revision of the 3 Phases of a Chess game

Assessment

Assessment: practical

  • Revision of the chess board, the chess pieces and basic concepts.
  • The learners pack out all the pieces without assistance.
  • The learners demonstrate how the various pieces move and capture.
  • The learners demonstrate how to apply the basics in a chess game.

Now on to the overall assessment of your knowledge of all the lessons in the 4 units:

  • Unit 1: The Basics.
  • Unit 2: Special moves and tactics.
  • Unit 3: Notation.
  • Unit 4: The 3 phases of a chess game.

Overall assessment

Please find below the beginners evaluations for learners. In these evaluations we test your overall understanding of the theory in all the lessons of the respective units.

Now on to the overall assessment of your knowledge of the chess lessons

Evaluation Level 1 (learners).

Evaluation Level 2 (learners)

Evaluation Level 3 (learners)

The Learners are now ready for their first tournament!

A chess set in every classroom in every school in every community – a child who can’t pay must be able to play!!

Skip to toolbar