The Kids' Book of Chess and Chess Set Paperback – January 11, 1990

This magnificent and visually stimulating chess set contains a 96-page beautifully illustrated book, chess pieces and a custom chess board.The book begins with a fascinating, detailed description of the history of the game and how it derived from medieval times. It is incredibly detailed and exquisitely written. Although I am not particularly a fan of medieval or military history, I found this section to be most engaging, and it certainly helped deepen my love and appreciation for the game. A basic example -- We learn that in medieval times the pawns were the serfs, the poor laborers, the foot soldiers and as in any society there were usually more of them than anyone else. If we were to imagine them in real life they would be traveling on foot and "carrying a long spear called a pike. On the battlefield he was known as a pikeman. Pikemen also carried shields, which they held directly in front of them for protection. This meant that they had to point their pikes to either side of the shield. Similarly, because of his shield, a Chess pawn is unable to strike directly in front of him. He can attack only on the diagonal." When presented with details in this manner you come away with a better understanding of why certain rules exist in the game.The second chapter is an introduction to the chessboard itself. The only thing missing here (and it is a very important omission) is a discussion of rank and file. Subsequent chapters over each piece in depth; its significance in relation to the other pieces on the board and how it moves. Towards the end are chapters explaining how to play the game, (accompanied by interesting military history tidbits highlighted in boxes throughout), and basic play strategies (and I mean BASIC in every sense of he word. If you are looking for a more involved strategy-oriented text, then definitely consider buying Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess).This book does a nice job of covering all the basic elements of the game in an entertaining manner. Your student will come away with a comprehensive understanding of, and appreciation for, the oldest war game of all.Five stars. An absolute must for every budding and experienced chess enthusiast.

I like this book. I only learned chess a year and a half ago but I love it. I decided to teach my kids to play. My daughter is 4 years old. I bought this book (comes with chess set for kids) and my daughter was so excited to have her own chess set I couldn't believe it. Every day I came home for the next week she wanted to play, and we did. We also went through the book and she learned all the names of the pieces in only a couple of days (kids amaze me). Well, she calls the knight knighty for some reason, but that's fine with me. Now don't get me wrong, she doesn't know the rules, yet. It's only been a month since we got this and I am not pushing her to learn them at 4 years old. But she is getting familiar with the pieces and board. I am sure she will be playing by the rules in a couple of years. In the meantime it's just fun to have a game we can play together besides the regular kid's games. And she loves having her own chess set! Oh and the board has illustrations that tell you how you can move each piece. That will come in handy as she gets older.

This really is THE book of chess for kids (or adults who were too traumatized in childhood to learn but now want to teach their kids!). PLUS...it comes with a good starting board and pieces. But the explanation of WHY the pieces move the way they do really sticks, and teaches history and politics at the same time! I used the set 18 years ago to start my son off after he saw "Searching for Bobby Fischer." He was 7 then; he quickly wiped me off the Board, and went on to play competitive chess for a while. He still loves the game at 25 and plays it wherever he wants to, i.e. Washington Square Park and Union Sq., NYC. And, I am still buying THIS book (a great deal by the way WITH the set) as a gift for kids I know who want to learn, and beat their parents!.

My first impression of The Kids’ Book of Chess and Chess SetThe packaging might be the weakest part of this product. As having nothing to store all the items into (book, chessboard and chessmen), becomes a pain for preservation and for saving space, so look into keeping that amazon box.The book was written within this Middle Ages theme. The book explains the concept of chess within this fantasy theme and from this point of view - the author succeeds. I personally would rather have something a bit more straight forward.The board's about 15 inches from square to square (from a1 to h8) and made from cardboard. The pieces are hollow and come without any extra queens (and knock over easily).I purchased this set for $11.99 (MSRP $19.95). I think this would make an nice inexpensive gift and an inexpensive interdiction into chess.Honestly though, I would just buy a green vinyl chess set ($16.99 or $23.99) and Chess for Kids, by Michael Basman ($6.99). I think that would be a more quality buy.

I had this book for my son and he learned how to play chess at 5 years old, and had to buy it again for my nephew who is now learning to play chess at age 5 too. It won't be long and his 3 year-old brother will be ready to learn the game too.This book gives very clear explanations of what the chess pieces are and how and why the move the way they do -- it relates the game to the real life roles the chess pieces represent from medieval times.It is a great tool for anyone who wants to learn to play chess or have a better understanding of the game. I highly recommend this book. I won't lose track of this one; I'll hang on to it for my grandchildren.

The total package was nice for the price. The chess set that accompanied the book isn't a top quality board and pieces, but just fine for a child who wants to work the pieces on the board from the book's guidance. If the child likes the game, then buy him/her a more upscale chess set. Meanwhile, you haven't invested a lot to see if the kiddo takes to the game and the book (with pictures) makes learning the moves interesting for the child..