Unlock the world of chess for young minds with our "Understanding Chess Rules" worksheets, designed specifically for ages 6-8. At Kids Academy, we simplify the complexities of chess through fun and engaging activities. These worksheets introduce basic tactics, essential rules, and strategic thinking, making the game accessible and enjoyable for young learners. By combining clear instructions with interactive exercises, we aim to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Perfect for both beginners and those familiar with the game, our resources ensure children grasp the fundamentals while nurturing a love for chess. Dive into the enriching world of chess today!


Check out this FREE "Understanding chess rules" Trial Lesson for age 6-8!

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  • 6-8
  • Understanding chess rules
How Rooks Capture Worksheet
How Rooks Capture Worksheet

How Rooks Capture Worksheet

Chess is a game that requires skill, concentration and planning. Players must move their chess pieces strategically to capture pieces from their opponent. Do your kids know how to use the rook to capture pieces? Go through the worksheet with them and circle the pieces the rook can capture.
How Rooks Capture Worksheet
Worksheet
How King Moves Worksheet
How King Moves Worksheet

How King Moves Worksheet

Teach your kids the fundamentals of chess with this worksheet! The goal is to checkmate the opponent's king, so it must be protected at all times. The king moves along files, ranks, and diagonals (except one square at a time), and cannot move to a square next to the enemy king. Your kids will soon master the art of checkmate!
How King Moves Worksheet
Worksheet
How Rooks Move Worksheet
How Rooks Move Worksheet

How Rooks Move Worksheet

Help your kids master chess with this worksheet! Explain how rook pieces move along ranks and files, and have them mark the squares it can move to. Note that it can't jump over other pieces. With your guidance, they'll soon understand the game they love.
How Rooks Move Worksheet
Worksheet
How Queen Captures Worksheet
How Queen Captures Worksheet

How Queen Captures Worksheet

Chess is a great game for sharpening math skills, strategic thinking, and knowledge of how each piece moves. If your child is interested, introduce them with this worksheet. It demonstrates how the queen can capture opposing pieces, such as another queen, and take their place.
How Queen Captures Worksheet
Worksheet
Check. Checkmate or Stalemate? Worksheet
Check. Checkmate or Stalemate? Worksheet

Check. Checkmate or Stalemate? Worksheet

Chess teaches critical thinking, reasoning, and logic skills in a fun way. With this downloadable worksheet, kids can look at chess boards and decide if the sides are in check, checkmate, or stalemate. Win or lose, a stalemate can be a great outcome, and kids can learn and build skills with each move!
Check. Checkmate or Stalemate? Worksheet
Worksheet
Castling No–no's: Part 1 Worksheet
Castling No–no's: Part 1 Worksheet

Castling No–no's: Part 1 Worksheet

Help your child learn how to play chess by using this worksheet. Ask them to circle the king and rook that can castle in the picture. Explain that a king cannot castle if the king or rook has moved, or if there is any other piece between them. Knowing these rules will make playing a lot easier!
Castling No–no's: Part 1 Worksheet
Worksheet
How Pawns Capture Worksheet
How Pawns Capture Worksheet

How Pawns Capture Worksheet

Ask your child to circle all the places a pawn can capture in one move on the diagonal. Pawns are limited in the moves they can make, but can still capture enemy pieces. This worksheet will help brush up on their knowledge of the rules of chess.
How Pawns Capture Worksheet
Worksheet


Parents and teachers should care about understanding chess rules for children aged 6-8 as it offers numerous developmental benefits that extend beyond the game itself. Chess is an excellent tool for enhancing cognitive abilities; it stimulates critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and strategic planning. These are foundational skills that can significantly support academic learning, particularly in subjects such as mathematics and science.

Moreover, chess teaches valuable life skills, including patience, perseverance, and discipline. Young children learn to think ahead and anticipate consequences, promoting foresight and thoughtful decision-making. The game also nurtures a sense of responsibility, as each move can impact the outcome, reinforcing the concept that actions have consequences.

Socially, chess plays a pivotal role in instilling respect and sportsmanship. Children learn to handle wins and losses gracefully, fostering emotional resilience. The turn-based nature of the game encourages them to wait and observe, improving attention span and interaction skills.

Lastly, chess can be an inclusive and engaging activity that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. Offering children the chance to excel in a non-physical activity can be particularly beneficial for those who might not thrive in traditional team sports. Ensuring parents and teachers understand chess rules enables them to guide children effectively, making the learning process both fun and educational.