annieb123's Review of Winning Chess Exercises for Kids

by Viktoria Ni

Practice makes progress! Sharpen your chess skills—and win more games—with this fun workbook of chess exercises for kids ages 8 to 12.

Remembering rules, understanding all the different tactics and strategies, and recognizing patterns of play—chess can be a complicated game to learn! That’s why Woman International Master (WIM) Viktoria Ni created this chess workbook with clear step-by-step instructions and annotated diagrams that show chess concepts in action. Packed with fun exercises, Winning Chess Exercises for Kids will help kids better recognize chess strategy and execute key chess tactics during the opening, middle game, and endgame. Whether your kid is just starting to play chess or is already chess-obsessed and wants to take their skills to the next level, this workbook will help them learn faster, practice smarter, and win more!

Chess fundamentals every player should know. From strong chess openings and common checkmate patterns to potent attack tactics and clever defensive strategies.
Over 350 exercises to play, practice, and solve. Increase understanding of chess basics and improve pattern recognition and board visualization.
Clear annotated diagrams. Make learning and understanding chess tactics a breeze.
Learn from a Woman International Master and expert teacher. Kid-friendly instruction that is accessible for beginners and stimulating for more experienced chess players.
Answer key with explanations. So kids can better understand the thinking behind each move.

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Winning Chess Exercises for Kids is an appealing and accessible chess primer for all ages by Viktoria Ni. Released 19th March 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Zeitgeist imprint, it's 173 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a well rounded basic guide with introduction, rules, and good overviews over strategy for openings, midgame, developments, attacking, and endgame strategy. It's apparently aimed at youngsters circa 6-11 years, but honestly there are takeaways here for all ages.

The book is graphically appealing, with fun anthropomorphic chess pieces throughout (see cover art). The theory she presents is sound and it would work for solo study, tutoring, or more formal chess instruction in a class/group setting.

Five stars. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, and gift giving.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Reading updates

2 July, 2024: Started reading

2 July, 2024: Finished reading

2 July, 2024: Reviewed