Chess for Kids by Michael Basman
The book “Chess for Kids” by Michael Basman is an excellent introduction to the game of chess for young people. Written with a target age range of advanced 4th graders to early high school, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the game, starting with a simple explanation of the game’s structure and the function of each piece, before moving on to an introduction to the rules and basic strategy.
One of the main strengths of the book is its easy-to-understand and engaging writing style. The text flows well and is supported by attractive color photos and diagrams that help illustrate the key concepts. The book also includes engaging exercises and teaching games that are more than simple question-answer problems and will help a beginner student get a feel for different aspects of the game before moving on to full-length games. The book also introduces chess notation and the rules of the game in a simple and natural way, making it easy for even students with no prior knowledge of chess to understand.
The book also has some minor downsides, like diagrams that may be confusing to students with no prior knowledge, but overall they are well done. Additionally, while the book is great for beginner students who are learning the basics of chess, it may not be suitable for more advanced players looking to learn standard openings and strategies in a more serious way.
All in all, “Chess for Kids” is a remarkably clear, informative, helpful, and engaging introduction to chess. It is a great resource for learners of all ages, from beginner students who are looking to learn the basics of the game to more advanced players who want to improve their skills. The author, Michael Basman is also an experienced chess teacher who has written many other books and articles on the subject of chess, making him a valuable resource for learning chess. It can be used independently by any student with some reading skills, but students will benefit from having an experienced instructor as well.
If you are interested in purchasing this book, you can find it on Amazon through the following link: Chess for Kids by Michael Basman.
