Resources

Resources are provided as tools and learning aids for learning chess and practicing what you learn. We will be making extensive use of the Online ChessBase Reader website where puzzles and games will be posted for students to play through. Use of these tools will be demonstrated in class.

The chess.com online chess analysis board is useful for creating .pgn files.

The following resources will be used in conjunction with the chess classes:

• The Play Magnus app (free version for apple and android devices)
• Chess Kid website accounts (provided by the school for certain grades)
• ChessBase Reader (for PC only) ChessBase Reader Online (Web based)
• A chess playing app like SmallFish (Any application that supports saving games and positions will do)
• SparkChess online

Other good and fun resources:

• Dinosaur Chess (great for ages 4+)
• ChessBase Online (Accounts are now free for 90 days, you can use your school google account)

Why a chess app is important

Playing chess against a computer is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost it should be fun! Playing against a computer comes with less stake versus playing a human opponent - students can take back moves and try new ideas. They can adjust the level of the computer to provide good winning chances, and a good app will let you save your game to review later with a teacher, coach or friends. Secondly, each student progresses at a different pace, playing against a app sets the playing bar at a consistent level to help evaluate individual performance. And lastly, you can play anytime!

Please contact Mr Bradley if you have any comments.