Chess for Rookies: Introduction to Chess Part I (Rules)

Completed by 274 learners

Ages 7-11

Live One-Time Class

In this introduction class, students will learn the rules, structures of the game and basic strategies.

Louisa Hou

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(216 reviews)

Star Educator

Live video meetings

Meets once

2-5 learners per class

55 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

1 live meeting

55 mins in-class hours

Homework

1 hour per week. Go play some games! Free class summary handouts will be provided at the end of the meeting to help guide students.

Class Experience

New students please reach out for 5$ off coupons for your first class with me. 

Dear Parents and Learners! 

Thank you for your interest in my chess class. 

This introduction class is welcome to all learners who wish to learn about chess. Participants do not need to have any prior knowledge. I believe that chess is an interactive game and can only be learned through active games. The only prerequisite to an interactive game is to understand the basic rules of the game. For this reason, my lessons will be focused on learning the rules first, then I will incorporate puzzles to practice throughout the lesson. In the end, we will review all the concepts and there will be more puzzle games/ a short game if we have the time. This will also ensure everyone can have a chance to participate and to apply the knowledge in the class. Questions are welcome at all time. 

I do not believe in simple content learning. I believe that learning is about introducing the right tools so that the students can create their own game. In this sense, after understanding the basic rules, the principles of the game are more crucial than the memorization of classic variations. 

This class will cover all the basics of the game: 
-Introducing the chessboard
-The basic rules of the game and some exceptions (to rock, en passant)
-Introducing each chess pieces 
-The value system of each chess pieces
-The goal of the game: check mate!
-What makes a draw? 


I recommend having a chessboard and chess pieces. For the class, I will be using an online platform as well to make sure that everyone can follow and have the same starting point. In addition, I recommend everyone to have a chessboard for general practice and play because in the case of tournaments, students will have to use real chessboards. To play with real chessboard will habituate students to not only play online. 

If you want to attend in a bigger group because you want to take the class with a friend or a sibling and would make the class size exceed 4 student, please communicate with me in advance. Similarly, If you have any questions, don't hesitate to communicate with me! 

Looking forward to meeting you!

Louisa

Learning Goals

The students will understand the rules of the game, the value system of the chess pieces and the basic chess board principles. By the end of the class, the students should be able to play a game of chess. If the student is interested, he or she should be able to move on to the next lesson where we will learn chess notation, chess etiquette and introduction to the major structures of the game (opening, middle and final).

Other Details

Supply List

I recommend having a chessboard and chess pieces. For the class, I will be using an online platform as well to make sure that everyone can follow and have the same starting point. In addition, I recommend everyone to have a chessboard for general practice and play because in the case of tournaments, students will have to use real chessboards. To play with real chessboard will habituate students to not only play online. 

We might play a game in the end using the platform Chessonlinefree. This website should not track your data. Depending on your browser, I would recommend to have an add blocker to avoid distraction. 

If you signed up two children together, I recommend them to each have a screen so that they don't have to fight over it. If two children have to share one screen, please understand that it could be hard for both to participate in a game at the same time.

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Louisa Hou

Joined July, 2020

5.0

216reviews

Star Educator

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

I played chess throughout my childhood and I wish to introduce my passion to young learners. I played competitively in Canada for many years, notably at the Canadian Youth Chess Championship and had the chance to represent my country in international competitions such as the World Youth Chess Championship. I think this game is a fun way to develop strategies, analysis, planning, empathy and most importantly, make friends with others and the self.