CURRICULUM

A clear chess learning path for children

Lessons start with the board and rules, then move on to checkmate patterns, tactics, planning and endgames as students progress. A coach can help you identify your child’s current level and the skills to practise next.

WHAT CHILDREN LEARN

Start with the board. Build from there.

New players learn how the pieces move, how to keep a king safe and how to finish a game. Once those ideas are familiar, lessons can turn to checkmate patterns, tactics, calculation, planning and endgames. The right starting point depends on what your child can already do at the board.

LEVEL 01

♙

Explorer

Board, pieces and rules

First moves

How the pieces move and the rules of the game
Basic checkmate patterns
Simple tactics and puzzle solving
Practice games with coach guidance
Focus, patience and decision making

Play a complete game and know what checkmate means.

“Every player starts by learning one move at a time.”COACH’S TIP

LEVEL 02

♘

Thinker

Threats and simple tactics

Knows the moves

Opening principles and king safety
Forks, pins and skewers
Spotting threats before moving
Basic king and pawn endings
Learning from mistakes

Spot simple tactics and check the opponent’s threat before moving.

“Before your move, ask: what is my opponent planning?”COACH’S TIP

LEVEL 03

♗

Competitor

Calculation and practical play

Plays regularly

Tactical combinations
Candidate moves and calculation
Using a chess clock
Fundamental rook endings
Reviewing games with a coach

Compare candidate moves and play longer games with a plan.

“Learn from every game, not just the wins.”COACH’S TIP

LEVEL 04

♖

Strategist

Plans and structures

Developing player

Pawn structures and positional plans
Building an opening repertoire
Multi-move calculation
Middlegame strategy
Endgame foundations

Choose moves that fit a plan for the position.

“The best move is the one that fits your plan.”COACH’S TIP

LEVEL 05

♕

Champion

Deeper preparation

Advanced player

Advanced opening preparation
Deep calculation and evaluation
Complex endgame technique
Studying master games
Personal training plan

Prepare and evaluate positions more deeply.

“Small improvements add up.”COACH’S TIP

LEVEL 06

♔

Grand Champion

Refinement

Strong competitor

Repertoire refinement
High-level strategic decisions
Advanced practical endgames
Detailed game annotation
Long-term planning

Work on a personalised path with a coach.

“Stay curious. Even the masters keep learning.”COACH’S TIP

Your child’s starting point is based on experience, not age alone.

FIND A STARTING POINT

Not sure where to begin?

Three quick questions give you a suggested starting level. A coach will confirm the right class after talking with you.

FIND MY LEVEL↗

STEP 1 OF 3

How old is your child?

BEFORE THE FIRST CLASS

Tell us about your child’s
chess so far.

ASK ABOUT A TRIAL CLASS