Chess for Kids

Rating:
Summary: ''Checkmate or draw!''
Review: Before this book has been written, there aren't many chess books for kids in those days, but here comes a book that is specially designed for kids and is readily accessible whenever kids wanted it. Since his years as an international master, Michael Basman has devoted his time to teaching schoolchildren chess, and years after that he set up the UK Chess Club, a chess tournament which attracts thousands of players every year.

Since I haven't got time to write down Michael Basman's bio in this review, I feel his kids chess book is worth having and is highly recommended to any kid. You know, many kids will hate a book that is unatrractive and dull and will soon get rid of it but Michael Basman's book has very attractive pictures, that'll show kids the game positions, and they are very clear, only to find them done in digital photography!

Chess is a battle of wits between two players and checkmating the opponent is a very difficult task, requiring your skill and knowledge. Michael Basman explains this in his book with a very accessible text that'll allow kid readers to understand the game concepts and is simple enough to apprehend. Heck, if I'm a kid right now I'll be able to read through the book like water!

Apart from the very clear pictures and simple text, Michael Basman uses his teaching experience to let kids gain a clearer understanding of chess pieces through the ''Check it out!'' section of the book and this section offers a brief explanation of the piece in terms of history and piece effectiveness.

The book is well laid out, thorough and kid-friendly and is always there when kids need it. It covers all of the most important aspects of chess, including the basics. Most of all, it's highly informative and that means kids can have all the info they need in order to play chess correctly.

What more could I say, this is a great book, and I swear Michael Basman made it by heart and by using his chess experience not anything else! The book is well laid out, clear, thorough and easy to use anytime. The book CAN teach kids the game so what're you waiting for, get your chessboard and pieces and let the games begin!

Rating:
Summary: Not that great
Review: I have read about 6 chess books in my school library. I didnot find the teaching to be as serious as it should be for kids over 8 years old. I learned a lot more from "Chess For Juniors" and "ideas Behind the Chess Openings" in the library.

Rating:
Summary: Nice book from a good promoter of chess
Review: This book is reasonably well written with moderately good illustrations and photos best designed for a parent to read and show to a younger child (reading level is way too difficult for young children). However, in both the manner in which things are explained and the illustrations themselves "Starting Chess" is a superior book. For a student age 8+ who can read for themselves "Chess for Juniors" is a superior book for the material and clarity.

Rating:
Summary: Not that great
Review: This book is useful for anyone who wants to learn how to play chess. Several adults (including myself) have learned something new from the book. It starts with the basics of setting up the board and piece movement. It moves into more complex issues like piece valuation and notation.

Too many people buy a chess book, only to give up because it feels more challenging than War & Peace!

This one fits the bill. It is thin; it has great pictures, and even some drama. Did you know that the bishop used to be represented by an elephant? Buy the book to learn more.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic book!
Review: This is a GREAT book for kids (or adult) learning chess. One doesn't need to want to become a master of chess to buy this book. It has simple games that anyone can enjoy (my two kids are 3 and 6). Just the simple pawn game is well worth the money. In the end, it demystifies chess and makes the game fun and accessible to little kids. Worth every penny!

Rating:
Summary: Not serious book for kids to learn from
Review: This is indeed a book where pictures are used for entertainment purposes and not a serious book for an older kid to learn from.
OK for smaller kids.