Learn chess fundamentals — five sessions, real game by the end

How to do it

Buy a real wooden set with weighted pieces — the gravity matters. Session 1: piece names and how each moves. Play with just kings and pawns. Session 2: rooks and bishops. Session 3: queens and knights (the knight is the hardest — practice the L). Session 4: castling, en passant, checkmate. Session 5: a real full game, no take-backs. They will beat you eventually — let them earn it but don't fake losses. Keep the board out on the kitchen counter so games can pause and resume. Sign them up for a chess club at school if they catch the bug.

What you'll need

• Wooden chess set with weighted pieces

  Amazon

• Chess for Kids book

  BookOpen