$99

for 4 classes

Chess for Rookies: Introduction to Chess Part VIII (Knights vs. Bishops)

Completed by 2 learners

Ages 8-12

Live Group Class

In this 4 meeting introduction course, we will learn about the strength and weaknesses of minors pieces and how to evaluate them during the game.

Louisa Hou

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(217 reviews)

Star Educator

Live video meetings

1x per week, 4 weeks

2-5 learners per class

55 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

4 live meetings

3 hrs 40 mins in-class hours

Homework

Student will receive free summary handouts and online studies after each meetings to guide their games and practice at home.

Class Experience

Dear Learners! 

Thank you for your interest in my chess class. 

This chess class is welcome to all young learners who wish to deepen their understanding of the minor pieces. We will introduce the different ways to evaluate our minors pieces and learn the different ways to use them effectively in a game.  In the Chess for Rookies series, we are slowing moving into the more intermediate level content. Participants are expected to know some basic openings and tactics. We will discuss puzzles and learn through grandmaster's games.

The following is a tentative syllabus:
1- The Knight: The Chameleon, Octopus and Ninja All in One 
2- Read the Chessboard: Open or Closed 
3- The Bishop: The Racing Car, the Demoted Potato or the In-Between 
4- A Comparison: Knight vs. Bishop 

Please keep in mind that I do not believe in simple content learning. All learning is about introducing the right tools so that the students can create their own game. Most of the class will be dedicated to puzzles, examples, and game analysis. While the reminder of the class will be used for games, please reserve some times for practice at home.  We will always start the session with a questions/free discussion period so remember to take a photo/ screenshot or write down your game and bring it to class!

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 have any questions, please don't hesitate to communicate with me! 

Looking forward to meeting you!

Louisa

Learning Goals

By the end of the class, student should be able to: 
- Evaluate the best position for the knight and the bishop 
- Identify the best type of position for each minor pieces 
- Compare each minors pieces in the game 
- Have fun!

Syllabus

4 Lessons

over 4 Weeks

Lesson 1:

The Knight: The Chameleon, Octopus, and Ninja All in One

 Discover the magic of the knight, the only piece that can leap over others!
Students will explore how the knight's unique movement can surprise opponents, control key squares, and set up sneaky forks. We’ll also learn when and where knights are most powerful — from outposts to traps!

55 mins online live lesson

Lesson 2:

Read the Chessboard — Open or Closed?

 Learn how to read the "terrain" of the chessboard and adapt your strategy.
Is your game wide open or locked up tight? Students will develop the skills to recognize open vs. closed positions and decide which pieces thrive in each. This lesson builds strong decision-making and planning skills.

55 mins online live lesson

Lesson 3:

The Bishop — Racing Car, Demoted Potato, or the In-Between?

 Unleash the long-range power of the bishop — or understand its limits.
We’ll explore how bishops dominate diagonals, work in pairs, and race across the board. Students will also learn when a bishop becomes “bad” and what to do about it!

55 mins online live lesson

Lesson 4:

Knight vs. Bishop — Who Wins the Duel?

 Compare these two powerful minor pieces and discover when each shines.
Through puzzles and play, students will learn how to evaluate positions and decide whether a knight or bishop is stronger — and how to use each to their full potential.

55 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Supply List

I will be using online chess platform and screen share to show the chessboard so that everyone can follow. 

Make sure to be able to use the annotation on Zoom for the puzzles.

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

217reviews

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.