Step-by-Step Guide (2026) A US Chess ID is required only if your child plans to play in official US Chess–rated tournaments .This guide explains exactly how and when to get one. Step 1: Confirm That Your Child Needs a US Chess ID Your child needs a US Chess ID if: They will participate in official rated tournaments They want to receive an official US Chess rating Your child does not need a US Chess ID for: Regular chess classes Casual or online play Non-rated events Step 2

Parents often ask: “Should my child take private chess lessons or join a group class?” The truth is — both formats work , but for different reasons and at different stages of a child’s development. Let’s break it down clearly so you can make the right choice. Private Chess Lessons: Pros and Cons ✅ Advantages of Private Lessons Private lessons offer: Individual attention Personalized pace Immediate feedback Focus on specific weaknesses or goals Private lessons work best for:

Choosing a chess school is not just about learning the game.It ’s about choosing an environment where your child will grow, stay motivated, and feel confident . Here’s how parents can make the right decision — without pressure or confusion. 1️⃣ Look Beyond Age Groups Many schools group children only by age.But age alone does not reflect: Skill level Learning speed Emotional readiness 📌 The best chess schools place children by level , not just age. 2️⃣ Ask About Coach Qualifi

Parents often ask: “Should my child learn chess online or in person?” Both formats can work — if chosen correctly .The best option depends on your child’s age, personality, goals, and experience. Let’s compare them clearly and honestly. Online Chess Classes: Pros and Cons ✅ Advantages of Online Chess Classes Online chess classes offer: Convenience (no travel time) Flexible scheduling Access to strong coaches anywhere Comfort of learning from home They work well for: Older chi

Parents often ask an important question: “If my child has limited time, should we choose chess or math?” The truth is — this is not an either/or choice.Chess and math develop different sides of logical thinking , and together they create the strongest result. Let’s explain how. How Math Develops Logical Thinking Math trains structured, rule-based logic . Through math, children learn to: Follow clear procedures Apply formulas and rules Solve problems step by step Reach one cor

(Not Just Smart Moves) — 2026 Guide Many parents ask: “Chess is interesting, but does it actually help my child in school?” The answer is yes — when chess is taught properly . Chess develops thinking skills that directly support academic success, not just game performance. Let’s look at how. Chess Improves Focus and Attention Span In chess, children must: Sit and concentrate for extended periods Think before acting Stay focused despite distractions Over time, this trains: Cla

Parents usually want the best for their child.But when it comes to chess, good intentions can sometimes slow progress . Here are the most common mistakes we see — and how to avoid them. Mistake #1: Focusing Too Much on Wins and Ratings Many parents ask: “Why didn’t the rating go up?” “Why did they lose this tournament?” “Other kids are winning more…” 📌 For children, development matters more than results . When pressure is high: Confidence drops Fear of mistakes increases Lea

One of the most common questions parents ask is: “How many chess classes does my child need to actually improve?” The honest answer:It depends — but there are clear, realistic guidelines. Let’s explain what results look like at different stages and how long they usually take. What Does “Results” in Chess Really Mean? Before talking about numbers, it’s important to define results . For children, results may include: Better focus and thinking Fewer random moves Understanding w

One of the hardest things for parents is understanding their child’s real chess level . Age doesn’t tell the full story.Number of classes doesn’t either.Even a rating can be misleading — especially for kids. So how do you actually know where your child stands? Let’s break it down simply. Why Age Is Not a Reliable Indicator Two children of the same age can be at completely different levels . Some kids: Start early but progress slowly Start later and improve very fast Play a l

One of the most common questions parents ask is: “Is my child too young to start chess?” or “Did we start too late?” The short answer: there is no single perfect age .What matters much more is readiness , not the number of years. Let’s break it down clearly. Can a Child Start Chess at Age 4–5? Yes — if the approach is age-appropriate . At this age, chess should focus on: Learning how pieces move Recognizing patterns Short, playful activities Very limited sitting time What che

Should Parents Focus on Results? Short answer: No. Better goals for young players: Finishing games without quitting Following tournament rules Learning from mistakes Staying calm under pressure 📌 Results come later. Experience comes first. How Often Should a Child Play Tournaments? For most kids: Beginners: 1 tournament every 2–3 months Developing players: 1 per month Advanced players: based on training goals Too many tournaments too early can cause burnout. Do Tournament

Parents often see a chess rating number and wonder: Is this good? Is my child behind? Should the rating be higher? Let’s break down what a US Chess rating really means for children — in simple, practical terms. What Is a US Chess Rating? A US Chess rating is a numerical system used by US Chess Federation to measure a player’s strength based on official tournament games . 📌 Important: Ratings are earned only in rated tournaments Practice games and online play do not count

Following the success of the 2025 Year of Social Chess , the international chess community is moving forward. 2026 has officially been declared the Year of Chess in Education. 📍 On October 20 , at the NGS School in Astana, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation . This agreement aims to jointly promote and expand scholastic chess worldwide. The initiative builds on the vision of FIDE

Chess is more than just a game; it is a powerful tool that can enhance your cognitive abilities, especially your math skills. Many people wonder how playing chess can translate into better performance in mathematics. The answer lies in the way chess challenges your brain to think logically, plan ahead, and solve problems efficiently. This article explores how chess improves logical skills and why it is an excellent activity for boosting math abilities. How Chess Improves Logi

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