If you try to be everything for everyone you end up being nothing for nobody.
Our club isn’t going to be for everyone.
- We don’t take complete beginners: a club isn’t the best place to learn and beginners will need one-to-one help. However, we can provide parents with everything they and their children need, mostly for free.
- We don’t take younger children who see chess as a low-level ‘fun’ game and have no interest in learning or improving.
- We expect our members to be able to play quietly and take the game seriously.
- Children below Year 5 should be accompanied by parents or carers at all times to ensure they keep quiet and still.
We expect children to have a basic understanding of chess before they join.
- Knowledge of the correct names and moves of all six pieces
- Complete understanding of CHECK, CHECKMATE and STALEMATE
- Knowledge of the three ‘eccentric’ rules: CASTLING, PAWN PROMOTION and the EN PASSANT capture
- Knowledge of the value of the pieces and understanding that SUPERIOR FORCE (usually) WINS
- Good chessboard vision: ability to see captures and threats
- Understanding of basic opening principles (pawn in the centre, develop knights and bishops, castle to make your king safe)
We can provide books or tuition to help your children reach this level if desired.
If you think this club might be right for your children, please contact us here.
CHESS MINDS 