Introduce your young thinkers to the world of chess with our engaging Chess Rules Understanding Worksheets designed especially for ages 6-8. These fun and educational worksheets from Kids Academy simplify complex chess concepts, making it easy for kids to grasp the basics. Each worksheet is creatively crafted to enhance their strategic thinking, focus, and problem-solving skills. Through step-by-step instructions and interactive exercises, children will learn essential rules, piece movements, and winning strategies, setting a solid foundation for their chess journey. Perfect for both beginners and young enthusiasts, these worksheets turn learning chess into an exciting adventure!


Check out this FREE "Chess rules understanding" Trial Lesson for age 6-8!

Special Moves: Castling

Favorites
With answer key
Interactive
  • 6-8
  • Chess rules understanding
Short Notation of Moves Worksheet
Short Notation of Moves Worksheet

Short Notation of Moves Worksheet

To master chess, you need more than just knowing the pieces and their moves - you need to be able to make notations of your moves. To make a short notation, write the piece name and square it moved to; for example, Bd2 for bishop on d2. Pawns don't need the piece name, just the square; e.g. g5. Show your kids how to draw lines to the board for the moves given.
Short Notation of Moves Worksheet
Worksheet
Chess Manners Worksheet
Chess Manners Worksheet

Chess Manners Worksheet

Teach your child chess manners in addition to table and social ones. Chess has clear rules and etiquette which must be followed for a proper game. Review this worksheet with your kid and discuss the pictures that show inappropriate behaviours. This will help them understand how to play the game correctly and with good manners.
Chess Manners Worksheet
Worksheet
Castling No - no's: Part 2 Worksheet
Castling No - no's: Part 2 Worksheet

Castling No - no's: Part 2 Worksheet

Teach your child the rules of castling: no castling if the king is under attack or will move onto an attacked square, or cross an attack line. To prepare for a game of chess, help your child complete the exercise of identifying when the king can castle – check the pictures.
Castling No - no's: Part 2 Worksheet
Worksheet
How Bishops Move Worksheet
How Bishops Move Worksheet

How Bishops Move Worksheet

There is no such thing as too much sharpening of skills. Encourage your child to learn more about chess technicalities with this simple worksheet. It shows them how a bishop moves: along diagonals any number of squares, but it can't jump over other pieces.
How Bishops Move Worksheet
Worksheet


Understanding chess rules can significantly benefit children ages 6-8, making it valuable for parents and teachers to encourage this learning. Firstly, chess nurtures cognitive development, enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and concentration skills. These competencies are foundational for academic success, particularly in subjects requiring logical reasoning such as math and science.

Moreover, chess can improve patience and discipline. Players must deliberate over each move, fostering a sense of patience and the ability to think ahead. This mindset is crucial for goal-setting and perseverance both in and out of school.

Social benefits are also evident; chess promotes sportsmanship and social interaction. Kids learn to win graciously and accept losses with a constructive attitude. It encourages respectful competition and collaboration, as children often play and discuss strategies with peers.

Lastly, chess provides an inclusive, screen-free alternative to recreational activities, supporting healthy cognitive development without the overstimulation that sometimes comes with electronic gaming. Parents and teachers who recognize these benefits can adopt chess as a tool to enrich overall development, offering children a fun and educational pursuit that lays the groundwork for lifelong cognitive and social skills.