Teaching Chess the Easy and Fun

Way with Mini-Games

Teach Clear Thinking

Promote Math Skills
Enhance Memory & Reasoning
Supporting the Common Core State Math
Standards
Kathy Price
Andre E. Zupans

Teaching Chess the Easy and Fun

Way with Mini-Games

Copyright 2011 Innovative Educators, LLC

All rights reserved. Unless noted on the page footer, no part of this book
may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of the publisher, except for the reproducible student
pages. The pdf version may be printed once for single classroom use.
Thank you for observing this copyright.

Authors: Kathy Price, M.A., Andre Zupans

Innovative Educators, LLC
41 Rd 5290
Farmington, NM 87401
email: [email protected]

ISBN-10 0983734917
ISBN-13 9780983734918

Printed in the United States of America

About the Authors

Kathy Price has over 30 years experience as a gifted program and
special education teacher and math/science curriculum specialist.
She developed this system of teaching chess to entire classrooms
by trial and error with students in 1st through 6th grade
classrooms. When one adult is facing 24 eager second graders
with a variety of skills and interests, it became necessary to have
an effective format that allows effective teaching and learning
within constrained time limits to take place. Teaching chess with
Mini-Games is the system that resulted. Mrs. Price ranks her
chess playing skills one notch above her students (most of the
time) giving credence to the fact that you dont need to be an
accomplished player to be a great chess teacher to young
children.
Andre Zupans is a writer, publisher, paralegal, professional
trader/investor, educator and chess player. As an educator,
Andre has found that chess enhances all intellectual activities.
He is a highly rated chess player and has even defeated players
at the Masters level. Andre discovered that un-packing the game
of chess in small Mini-Games was an effective way to teach chess.
This educational guide has been designed on this principle. Happy
playing for all!

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................4
Basic Chess Information................................................................5
Rules to Remember.........................................................................10
How to Win........................................................................................11
Class/Club Management.................................................................14
Mini Game Lesson Plans 1-14.........................................................16
Intermediate Chess Information................................................33
Strategic Tips...35
Mini Power Games 1-3.....................................................................36
Powerful Pins...46
Three Piece Problems.48
Assessment Puzzles........................................................................50
Resources..........................................................................................53
Did You Know?
Game Variations
Curriculum Connections & Activity Sheets
Sample Letter to Parents
Correlations to the Common Core State Math
Standards
Increase Your Knowledge
Glossary..............................................................................................73
Reproducible Student Pages.........................................................75
3

Introduction
The value of teaching chess to elementary age children is well researched.
Occasionally we see schools that offer optional chess clubs or after school
programs but rarely we see it instituted in a whole classroom. Why? It is because
most teachers do not know how to play or more importantly dont have an effective
system to teach chess to 24 or more active elementary students at once. This
book is for that teacher!
You do not need to know how to play, you will learn along with your students
while at the same time providing an effective multidisciplinary lesson that tie into
your educational standards and objectives.
The methods and lessons describe in this book deviate from other
prescribed chess teaching methods for one major reason. They can be taught by
a non-player, and they work! Liberties are taken that may make chess purists
cringe. When working with a class of students you must realize virtually none of
them will pursue a career in chess, therefore what is of most importance is that by
teaching them a recreational game they can play for life you are instilling other
skills that will positively influence their other educational endeavors.
Chess provides students an approach to learn and use reasoning skills. These
skills then carry over to other educational and life endeavors. The mini-games and
activities in this book are designed to correlate with many of the Common Core
State Standards for Mathematics, thus making wise choices with precious
classroom time.

The National Scholastic Chess Foundation states that Chess education is

extremely effective with children because:

Chess involves all levels of critical thinking (knowledge, comprehension, analysis,

evaluation)
Chess requires forethought and cultivates visualization skills
Chess improves problem solving skills
Chess encourages children to overcome the fear of risk-taking
Chess teaches concentration and self-discipline
Chess enables children to assume responsibility for their decisions
Chess rewards determination and perseverance
Chess raises self-esteem and promotes good sportsmanship
Chess encourages socialization skills that extend across cultures and generations
Chess is fun!

Basic Chess Information

The game of chess is over 1300 years old and is one of oldest and the
most popular games in the world. Chess is a two-player strategy game
between two armies with 16 pieces for each player. The objective of the
game is to place the opponent's King into checkmate, which means the King is
trapped. Chess is easy to learn, but can take a lifetime to master.
The Pieces and their Basic Moves
In most chess books and on computers you will see the pieces
represented by icons. However, it is easier when drawing on a classroom
chalk or white boards to use letters when discussing pieces. Therefore all
the diagrams we use in the mini-game method use those letters.
The game of chess is played on a board of 64 squares, each square has
a designated name or coordinate. The horizontal squares, or ranks are
numbered 1 to 8. The vertical squares, or files, are lettered from A to H.
For example, h1 is the right hand corner square marked with an X.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2

1
a

King (K - black, k - white)

The king is the most important piece in
the game of chess. This is because the
objective of the game is to capture your
opponent's king. The king has the ability to
move one space in any direction. However, the
king can not put himself in danger, which
means two kings can never be side by side. If
the King can be captured he is said to be in
check. If he can not move to a square where
he is not threatened, and if the checking piece
can not be captured or blocked, the King is checkmated and the game is over.
His value is priceless!

Queen (Q black, q
white)
The queen may not be the most
important piece on the board, but she is the
most powerful piece. The queen can move any
number of spaces in any direction.
For our mini-games her value is $.90.

Rook (R-black, r white)

The rook has the ability to move
horizontally or vertically any number of
squares in any direction. Some people call this
piece the "castle".
The rook, also a powerful piece, is worth
$.50.

Knight (Kn black, kn

white)
The Knight is a minor, yet vital, piece in
the game of chess. The knight, unlike any other
piece on the chessboard, can 'jump over'
pieces. The knight moves in an 'L' shape moving
either two spaces horizontally and one space
vertically, or two spaces vertically and one
space horizontally. We teach the students 1, 2, over.
The Knight has a value of $.30

Bishop (B black, b white)

The Bishop is the second minor,
yet vital, piece in the game of chess.
The Bishop can move diagonally any
number of squares in any direction.

The Bishop also has a value of

$.30.

Pawn (P black, p white)

The pawn can be the difference

between winning and losing a game of
chess. Pawns can only move forward one
space however; from its starting position
a pawn can advance two spaces. Pawns
don't capture pieces by advancing
straight into them horizontally or
vertically; instead they capture pieces by
advancing diagonally into the piece. The
Pawn's special ability is that it can be
exchanged for a queen, rook, knight, or
bishop when it reaches the last square on
the other side of the board. But remember, they can never move backwards!
The Pawn is worth $.10.

Position of all the pieces on the board at the beginning of a Full game.

Kn

Kn

kn

kn

Rules to Remember
! The white Queen goes on a light square (sometimes red), the Black
Queen on a dark square ("Queen on her own color").
! The square in the lower right hand corner is a red one, i.e. "red on
right" or the white one: light on right.
! The opposing Kings and Queens go directly opposite of each other.
! White moves first, and then each player takes a turn moving.
! If you take your hand off a piece your move is over, UNLESS you
made an illegal move.
! During each players turn, only one piece may be moved.
! The Knight is the only piece that can jump over other pieces.
! All other pieces can only move along unblocked lines.
! You may not move a piece to a square already occupied by one of your
own pieces, but you can capture an enemy piece that stands on a
square where one of your pieces can move. Simply remove the enemy
piece from the board and put your own piece in its place.
! You may not detract or annoy your opponent in any manner
whatsoever.
! Many beginning games end in a draw or stalemate. This happens when
a King is forced to move and cannot do so without putting himself in
check. See other examples below.

10

How to Win
When the King is attacked the player should say, Check. There are then
three things that could happen:
1. The King moves to safety.
2. Another piece moves in to block and protect the King.
3. Another piece captures the piece that was attacking the King.
If none of these can happen the King is trapped, which is called
Checkmate, and the game is over! The King is the ONLY piece that can
never be taken off the chess board during a game.
Necessary Conditions for a Checkmate:
Is the King in check?
o Answer must be Yes.
Wherever the King moves, is it check?
o Answer must be Yes.
Can any other chess piece block the check?
o Answer must be No.
Can the King capture the checking piece?
o Answer must be No.
Necessary Conditions for a Stalemate:
Is the King in check?
o Answer must be No.
Can the King move to a square that its Not in Check?
o Answer must be No.
Does the Kings army have another chess piece it can move?
o Answer must be No.
Does it have to be the Kings side move?
o Answer must be Yes.

11

What is a draw?
Unlike a stalemate, a draw or tie can occur when neither side has sufficient
chess material to checkmate. The players can also agree upon a draw. Also,
a repetition of moves can end in a draw. In classrooms an easy to remember
rule is "Ten to Tie", thus allowing players to agree to count 10 moves before
declaring a stalemate.

Minimum Chess Pieces to Checkmate

King and Queen
King and Rook
King and two Bishops
King, Knight and Bishop
King and Pawn (if promoted to Queen or Rook)
Stalemates or Draws are both ties. In tournament play, a win is one point, a
draw is ! point and a loss is no point. Stalemates are very rare in high level
play, but are frequent occurrences in beginning play.
If you are not quite ready for this stage then you can also add up the value
of the piece captured and the army with the most value left is said to have
the advantage!

Capturing
Each chess piece has a specific movement. When a piece moves into the
movement path of an enemy piece it can be captured and removed from the
chess board. However, the Knight captures only on its destination square.

Protection

When a chess piece is captured, other chess pieces may be able to capture it
back. This is called protection. In this first example the White Queen
captures the Black Rook. The Black King protects the Black Rook. This
means the King can capture the Queen.

12

8
7

The White Queen captures the Black

Rook.

The Black King protects the Black

Rook.
This means the Black King can capture
the White Queen.

4
3
2
1
a

An important concept in Protection is that a King cannot capture another

chess piece if its protected. The two examples exemplify this point.

K
Q
k

k
q
K
The White King CAN capture the Black
Queen

The Black King CANNOT capture the

White Queen
This is an example of CHECKMATE.

13

Classroom/Club Management
One reason many teachers give for not incorporating more hands-on
activities in their classroom deals with management issues. Don't even think
about trying to store many chess games in individual boxes. Storage and
space is always an issue for most classrooms/clubs. You don't need to invest
in high dollar materials.
The most effective way to store large amounts of chess kits is to put
each game set of pieces in a re-closeable sandwich size plastic bag and
stack all the board together in a cardboard box the size for reams of
copying paper. The bags can also fit in along with printed materials
making storage easy.
Keep a butter tub to put the missing pieces that are found and when
time to play empty into the inverted top of the storage box for easy
picking.
During mini-games have students return the pieces they are not using
back into the plastic bag.
If you are working with large groups or several classes, rectangular
cafeteria tables are usually good playing areas. Having some helpers
put out the boards and bags of pieces allows players to quickly find a
seat. Designate others as "Brave Knights" to help gather boards and
bags when finished.
Using an interactive white board or a document camera to project a
large chessboard can help students follow instructions. The
Resources section has such a board.
Start some routines, rituals, and repetitions during your chess time.
These anchor students' learning and are often an emotional hook or
reinforcement of a positive classroom or club culture. For example:
End a session by gathering students in a circle, quickly review what
happened during the lesson, have them place their hands over their
14

head like the cross on the King's crown, count down from ten and
slowly lower their bodies and on zero "blast off" by jumping in the air
chanting "Chess is the Best!"
Playing music during transition times is a good strategy. Both calming
songs and upbeat music can refocus attention. Appropriate songs that
have "chess themes" can be downloaded from iTunes including those
from the soundtrack of "Searching for Bobby Fischer".
Using effective questioning techniques with students can make the
difference in student learning. The questions need to be asked with
genuine curiosity and the discussions these questions raise need to be held in
an emotionally safe environment. The goal here is to notice and recognize.
Model and encourage students to ask one another clarifying questions and
avoid judgments and comparisons.
Core Questions:
"

"
"

"

When you first heard the instructions for this activity what did
you think? (i.e., I dont know how to do that., That sounds
fun!, What did she/he say?, I have never done that before,
etc.)
How did you feel? (i.e., confused, curious, scared, eager,
happy, and mad, etc.).
What did you do? (Started doing what I was told to do., looked
at the teacher, watched and did what my friends were doing,
sat still, waited, etc.)
What part of the activity surprised you? Confused you? Made you
curious? etc

15

Mini-Game Lesson Plans

The order of these mini-game lessons can be modified depending upon
students age and prior chess knowledge. To differentiate in a large group,
more advance students can do more than one mini-game while others can
spend more time mastering a single game.
When introducing these games to a class where a few students already
know the game, explain to them that these games are intriguing warm ups
for a full game and you want them to try them along with the rest of the
class and then they are free to move into a full game. Analogies to football,
soccer, or other sport warms-ups are applicable.
Think about using How Many Squares Do You See located in the
Resources as part of a math lesson before starting to play games.
A good rule of thumb for all lessons is to follow this model:
Engage students with anticipation of the upcoming game and materials.
Explore - Have students actively move their bodies and pieces as they learn
how pieces move
Explain - Use models and visuals to support directions
Elaborate - Allow students opportunities to adjust games
Evaluate student learning through observations and journaling.
Tip Try to keep your talking to less than 5 minutes at a time. All students
need to move pieces and practice with their bodies as much as possible.
Tip Each child needs a chess journal to keep notes and drawings (see
graphic organizers). Reflecting on the day's game is a great way to tie in
writing skills.
Tip On each lesson spend one day teaching the lesson and then have
another time when students practice the mini-game(s) before moving on.
Tip Use large tile floor squares to have children practice moving their
bodies like the piece moves. You can also use rubber cones and have them
move them on the floor or even outside on a blacktop with a chalk drawn
chessboard.
16

Frontloading -Introduction to Chess

Engage: Begin by having boards and pieces out for students to explore. As a
class or in groups brainstorm and record what prior knowledge they have
with chess. Some students may want to compare it to checkers, listing
similarities and differences.
Explore: Let students look closely at the pieces. Some may have seen
different versions of chess online or at home. This is a great time to build
vocabulary and gather students' prior knowledge!
Explain: Discuss that chess is one of the oldest strategy games in the world
and played everywhere. Use the "Did you now" pieces of information in the
resources section and challenge your motivated learners to find out more
about the game. Focus on key vocabulary and have students write questions
where the word is the answer. . For example you write check and a child
might say What do you say when you attack the King?
Depending on the age ad level of your players decide with which Mini-Game
you want to begin. This will start a rewarding journey, which at the end will
establish a classroom of chess players. Remember every great player was
once a beginner!

17

Lesson 1 - Pawn Parade

Vocabulary strategy, opponent, illegal, move, check, checkmate, capture,
array
Intention - Introduce students to the concept of "mini-games" to gain
proficiency in using pawns.
Warm up Write one of the vocabulary words on the board and have the
students create a question where the word you wrote is the answer.
Set up:

P P P P P P P P

p p p p p p p p

Inform students the purpose of this

game is to move their pawn to the
other side of the board. The player
who gets the most pawns over wins.
If you are doing this lesson around
Christmas you can also call it an Elf
Parade! Be creative! Be sure to have
students change colors each time they
play.

The pawns move only one space forward, except to capture when they can
move one space diagonally forward. Two pawns that meet "head on" are
stuck and cannot move. Have students practice these moves with their
bodies. It's especially easy if the flooring is tile! The second exception is
their first move, when they can move two spaces forward.
Wrap up: Hae students talk to one another about what they will tell their
family about chess when they go home.

18

Lesson 2 - Bishop's Beware

Intention: This game helps beginner players become more aware of having a
bishop on opposing colors.
Set up:

B
P

B
P

Introduce the movements of the bishop

(any number of moves diagonally) and
point out they have one on each color.
Play

p
b

Wrap up Orally summarize what has

taken place. Have students write one
or two summarizing sentences in their
journal.

b
Lesson Notes

19

Lesson 3 Queen-Rook Checkmate

Vocabulary strategy, opponent, illegal, move, check, checkmate, capture,
array, anticipation
Intention: Introduce the concept of check and checkmate.
Introduce the movements of the King (your most important piece), Queen
(most powerful), Rooks, and review how Pawns move. White pieces always
move first, if you take your hand off a piece your move is over UNLESS you
made an illegal move.
Set up:

Play
Wrap up Orally summarize what has
taken place. Have students write one
or two summarizing sentences in their
journal.

Lesson Notes

20

Lesson 4 Horse Race

Vocabulary - noble
Intention: By now students are anxious to learn about the Knight. Introduce
this piece kinesthetically by having them step around the room in the Knight
pattern (1, 2, over) and making Ls with their fingers. After they move
about the room then just have them put their two knights on the board and
practice moving their knights to the other side of the board.
Set up:

Kn
Kn
P P P P P P P P

Play - the first to get a knights to their

opponents home row wins. Take turns
going first.
Wrap up - Summarize your lesson by
comparing the knight and bishop.

p p p p p p p p
kn
kn
Lesson Notes:

21

Lesson 5 Last Man Standing

Vocabulary fork, alternative
Intention: Practice moving and capturing. The last piece left on the board
wins this mini-game.
Set up:

R Kn B
P

B Kn R
After playing for a while stop and
discuss the concept of a fork (when a
piece has two options for capturing)
If you have time go back and play one
of the previous mini-games.

p
r kn b

p
b kn r

Wrap up Write several of the

vocabulary words on the board and have
students write sentences using them.

Lesson Notes:

22

Lesson 6 - The King's Nightmare

Intention: This game gives students practice using their rook to check and
possibly checkmate the King.
Encourage students to view other boards when a checkmate occurs.
Set up:

R
P

p
r

R
P

p
r

Use your two Rooks to trap the King in

a checkmate!
Your Rook moves horizontally or
vertically.

Wrap up Write several of the

vocabulary words on the board and have
students write a letter to their family
using them.

Lesson Notes

23

Lesson 7 - The Queen's Kiss of Death

Intention: Practice moving the powerful Queen.
Set up:

Q K
P P

To win this game, the Queen must

Check the King!

p p
q k

Wrap up: Let students draw pictures

of their favorite pieces.

Queen moves in a straight line any

direction.
When students "win" have them switch
partners to gain more experience with
different players.

Lesson Notes

24

Lesson 7.5 Venturing into Values

Vocabulary value, stalemate, advantage, attacker, defender
Intention: Introduce the concept of each piece having a numerical value.
Review how the pieces move (King, Queen, Rook and Pawn). Share with
students the value of each piece (King priceless, Queen - $0.90, Rook $0.50, Pawn - $0.10) Have them add different combinations.
Allow students to choose any mini-game to play, but occasionally stop and
have them do a Value check and add the value of the pieces they have
captured. Discuss concept of having the advantage by value.
Wrap up - At the end of play have students write several Chess Equations
for example: Q+R+R=$1.90 or P+P+P=$0.30 Let them share what they have
done with others.
Lesson Notes

25

Lesson 8 - Show Me the Money

Intention: This is a fun game to use when time is very limited. It also is
great mental addition practice for students.
Set up All pieces are set up on starting squares.
How to win - As a class, determine the amount in value to be played for (the
lower the amount the quicker the game). Also decide if the winner has to
get exactly the amount or may go over it to win. (The strategies change
depending on your criteria!)
Wrap up - Discuss if there are any sums that it would be impossible to get
and why. Have students record the pieces they captured and write
equations.
Lesson Notes

26

Lesson 9 - Half the Battle

Intention: Allow practice with fractions using the value of pieces. If
students struggle with these concepts you may want to first play a class
wide game with them against you before letting them go off on their own.
Set up - Student choice depending on the following criteria;
The Kind and Queen must cut their budget. Therefore they can only send
half the value of their army into battle.
1. Decide what pieces you will use. Be ready to defend your budget.
2. Place the pieces (along with the King and Queen) in their starting
positions.
3. Play until you have EITHER a checkmate OR have captured over half
the value of your opponents army.
4. Be ready to defend either orally or by journaling how you won, lost, or
had a draw.
Wrap up: Have students describe orally or in writing what their budget
was and the pieces they chose. Did their strategy work? Why or why not?
Lesson Notes

27

Lesson 10 Major Players

Intention: This game has students play with all their pieces, except the
pawns. Have them play this several times, stopping to discuss strategy and
the concepts of exchanges of major pieces. Ask them for periodic value
checks of the pieces they have captured.
Set up:

R Kn B Q K B Kn R

R Kn B Q K B Kn R

After about 20 minutes add a new

twisttell them the first to win is the
player that captures over $1.00 in
value. They have to stay quiet and can
only way 4 words: check, checkmate, or
illegal move. They stand up when they
win. Then you switch partners
around. It will only take a few times
until they figure out a fast way to
capture over $1.00. Then change the
value to exactly $1.20. This gives them

lots of mental math practice!

Wrap up Have them each write two questions about chess, then switch
papers and answer someone elses questions.
Lesson Notes

28

Lesson 11 - Medieval Minors

Intention: This game helps players become aware of the center of the
board. Players that are even matched usually end up tied.
Set up: Cut two narrow strips of paper to create a fence on the two middle
ranks (rows 4 & 5) to create a corral.

Kn B
P P

B Kn
P P

The player with the most pieces in the

middle corral after 10 moves per player
wins a point. Tie games are worth !
point ! point. First player to reach 5
points wins.
Wrap up: Invite students to share
their winning strategies and note any
commonalities.

p p
Kn B

p p
B Kn
Lesson Notes

29

Lesson 12 Seconds for Sixes

Intention: Students gain practice with multiples of 6 while playing with all
pieces.
Set up:

R Kn B Q K B Kn R
P P P P P P P P

Explain if the pieces captured have a

value that is a multiple of six then
students get two turns in a row! (30,
60, 90, etc). The first player with
three double turns win.
Wrap up: List different combinations
of pieces that are multiples of 6.

p p p p p p p p
r kn b q k b kn r
Lesson Notes

30

Lesson 13 - Build an Army

Intention: This game gives players more flexibility in deciding procedures
and gives practice in conflict resolution!
Set up - Players agree upon any 6 pieces for each color and place them in
their starting position. Have the draw their starting position.
How to win The first player to capture 5 pieces wins, or the first player to
capture the most value of the 5 captured player wins.
Wrap up - This lesson is great for those students who want to try out their
own ideas. Discuss what went well, what was difficult and what they would
change in this game.
Lesson Notes

31

Lesson 14 - Create your Own Mini Game

Intention: This game allows students to create their own game and can take
several sessions to complete. For more guided direction you can give them
these following steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Decide on pieces to use

Decide how to "win"
Practice your game
Make revisions to your rules as needed
Name your Game
Write a final copy of your directions so others can play.

Wrap up: Choose various partners to teach their game to the whole class.
Lesson Notes

The Full Game

Hooray! Its time for a full game and really just the beginning of a lifetime
of mastering this wonderful game. Good luck, keep playing and have students
keep verbalizing their strategies, writing or doing Chess Math at the
conclusion of each session. Continue with journaling after games and
encourage students to record what strategies they used and if they were
successful.
As students gain competency in the basic moves introduce and model the
moves in the next section, then move into the Mini Power Games.

32

Intermediate Chess Moves & Information

Castling The King moves 2 squares toward the Rook. The Rook jumps over
the King to the next square. You cant make this move if the King or Rook
has been moved. You cannot castle into or through check.
Pawn Promotion- When a Pawn reaches the other side of the board it is
replaced on that same square by a Queen, Rook, Bishop, or Knight. You can
have more than one Queen of each color on the board during a game. Often
if another piece is not available, a captured rook may be turned upside down
to stand for another queen.
En Passant - If you have a Pawn on the 5th rank (row) and your opponent
moves a Pawn 2 squares to end by sideways to yours, on your next move you
can capture the pawn as if it just moved one square. This is difficult for
many students to see so a good strategy is to set up a board and model the
moves with just a few pawns.
Chess Notation - This is a system for naming the squares and recording
moves of a game. The columns (files) are lettered a-h, while the rows
(ranks) are numbered 1-8.
8

a8

b8

c8

d8

e8

f8

g8

h8

7
6

a7

b7

c7

d7

e7

f7

g7

a6

b6

c6

d6

e6

f6

g6

h7
h6

5
4

a5

b5

c5

d5

e5

f5

g5

a4

b4

c4

d4

e4

f4

g4

3
2

a3

b3

c3

d3

e3

f3

g3

a2

b2

c2

d2

e2

f2

g2

h3
h2

a1

b1

c1

d1

e1

f1

g1

h1

h5
h4

White is set up on rows 1 and 2 while Black is on rows 7 and 8. When

noting a move you write the capital letter of the piece (none for pawns and N
for knight) and the square of arrival. For example Nf3 means the Knight
moved to square f3. When teaching this to a class usually 4th grade is
appropriate. Younger children can also grasp the concept if worked with in
small groups or 1-1 lessons.

33

!
!
!
!
!
!

.x is used to show capture

o-o shows castling to the King side
o-o-o shows castling to the Queen side
? is a bad move
?? is a terrible move
! is a good move

Isolated and double pawns - As a single unit, the Pawn is the weakest chess
piece. But in concert with other Pawns, they can become a powerful winning
force. The following board shows good and bad Pawn position. The black
Pawns (capital) are weak since they are doubled and isolated. The white
(lower case) Pawns are stronger.

K
P

P
P

p
p

Notes:

34

Strategic Tips:

If you have control of the center of the board then your opponent will
have to move along the sides of the board. This will not only cost your
opponent extra moves but it will also result in your enemy's pieces
getting in the way of each other.

After your opponent makes a move stop and look at what he is

threatening.

When your opponent is attacking one of your pieces, always ask

yourself:
Should I Take it? Block it?, or Run away?

If the opponent's piece is not protected then Take it... Make them
prove that they didn't make a mistake.

You might also Block the attacking piece. i.e. Put one of your pieces in
front of the piece you want to protect.

If you are really scared of the attacker then... when all else fails...Run
away! (Move your piece to a safer square)
Remember...Take it!, Block it!, or Run away!

At the end of the game your King is best in the center of the board.

4 Principles to remember:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Push a pawn to the center

Bring your pieces off of the back row towards the center.
Don't touch a piece a second time during your opening moves.
Castle for safety as soon as possible.

35

Mini Power Games

These games are developed for students to duplicate positions on an actual
chessboard and are recommended for 4th grade and above or students who
want to do additional practice individually. They are appropriate to copy and
send home! Standard algebraic notation is used, therefore the Knight is
referred to as N instead of Kn as in the earlier mini-games, and the
number refers to the move.

Power Game 1 -Queen Game & Corrals

This is an example of the Kissing Checkmate. Place the two Kings and Black
Queen on the chess board as illustrated. Each diagram exemplifies the next
chess move in the Queen Game. In this game use strips of paper placed on
the lines ( ______ ) to show the fences that corral in the King. This is an
excellent method for students to actually see the territory under the
Queens control.
Whites Move
2
4
6
8
10
12
14

Kc7
Kd6
Kc8
Kd8
Kc8
Kb9
Ka8

Blacks Move
1 Qf5
3 Qe6
5 Qf7
7 Kd4
9 Kd5
11 Kd6
13 Kc6
15 Qb7 Checkmate!

View the moves on pages 40-41 if you need help.

36

Power Game 2 - Rook Game & Corrals

Duplicate the example Rook Game on an actual chessboard. Use pieces of
paper for the fences of a corral as you go through all the moves of the Rook
Game.
Whites Move
2 d6
4 d7
6 c7
8 d7
10 c7
12 b7
14 c7
16 b8
18 a8
20 b8

Blacks Move
1 e5
3 d4
5 Kd5
7 Re6
9 Ke5
11 Rd6
13 K d5
15 Kc5
17 d7
19 c6
21 d8 Checkmate

Starting Position
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

k
R

K
a

View the moves on pages 42-43 if you need help.

Notes:

37

Power Game 3 - The Two Pawn Game

This game gives practice in Queening a Pawn. Once that is done then you
may finish with the Queen Game. The White King tries to capture the Pawns
in order to achieve a draw. A key concept in this game is to move as a solid
unit of three.
Whites Move
2 Ke7
4 Ke6
6 Kd6
8 Ke6
10 Kd6
12 Ke7
14 Kd7
16 Ke7
18 Kd6
20 KxP
22 Kd6

Blacks Move
1 Pd4
3 Pe4
5 Ke2
7 Kf3
9 Kg4
11 Kf5
13 Pe5
15 Pd5
17 Pe6
19 Kf6
21 Pe7
23 Pe8=Queen

Starting position
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

P P
K
a b c d e f g h

View the moves on pages 44-45 if you need help.

Notes:

38

Power Game Moves

39

Power Game 1 - Queen Game

40

Queen Game Continued

Move 12

Move 13

Move 14

Q
K

1
a b c d e
Move 15

8
7
6

g h

g h

Q
K

1
a b c

d e

g h

a b

c d e

g h

k
Q
K

5
4
3
2
1
a b c d e

41

Power Game 2 - Rook Game

Starting Position
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

Move 1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

k
R

K
a

c d e
Move 3

Move 2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

K
a

c d e
Move 4

7
6

5
4

k
R

5
4

3
2

3
2

1
b

c d e
Move 6

c d e
Move 7

R
K

3
2

1
b

c d e
Move 9

5
4

c d e
Move 10

K R

c d e
Move 8

7
6

5
4

c d e
Move 11

k
R
K

5
4
3
2

1
a

5
4

7
6

R
K

3
2

5
4

3
2

7
6

R
K

1
a

7
6

3
2

1
a

c d e
Move 5

7
6

5
4

3
2

7
6

K R

5
4

1
a

7
6

3
2

1
a

7
6

1
a

42

Power Game 2 continued

Move 12

Move 13

k
R

k
R
K

6
5

c d e
Move 15

1
a

c d e
Move 18

1
a

c d e
Move 19

1
d

c d e
Move 20

k
R
K

c d e
Move 21

c d e
Move 17

c d e
Move 16

R
K

5
4

Move 14

43

Power Game 3 The Two Pawn Game

Starting position
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

d4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

P P
K
a b c d e f g h

k
P P
K

P
P
K

k
P P
K
a b c d e f g h

k
P P
K

k
P P

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

k
P P
K

a b c d e f g h

P P
K

k
P P
K

a b c d e f g h
f5

k
P P

e6

d6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

P
K

a b c d e f g h

a b c d e f g h

g4

e2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

f3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

a b c d e f g h

a b c d e f g h

d6

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

e6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

a b c d e f g h

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

a b c d e f g h

e4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

e7

a b c d e f g h

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

k
K
P P

a b c d e f g h

44

The Two Pawn Game (continued)

e7
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

Pe5

k
K
P P

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

a b c d e f g h

k
P P K

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

k P
P
K

a b c d e f g h

k
P P K

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

P
K
k

k P K
P

a b c d e f g h

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

P K
k

a b c d e f g h
e8=Q

P
k

KxP

d6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

k
P

a b c d e f g h

a b c d e f g h

e7

P K
P

Pe6

f6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

a b c d e f g h

a b c d e f g h

d6

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

P K
P

e7

a b c d e f g h

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

a b c d e f g h

d5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

d7
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

a b c d e f g h

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

a b c d e f g h

45

Powerful Pins
K
P

B
b
p

A pin is when one chess piece moves, it exposes another chess piece to
attack. There are two types:
1) Absolute Pin In this pin, the pinned chess piece cannot move because
it would expose the King to a Check.
In the example above the Black Bishop pins the White (red) Queen in an
Absolute Pin. This trade, Bishop for Queen gives Black a sure win. Set it up
and try!
2) Non-Absolute Pin In this pin, the chess piece can move, but may
expose a greater value Chess piece.
R
P
Q

P
B
B
kn

q
k

p
r

p
r

46

The Black Bishop pins the White (lower case) Knight in a Non-Absolute in. If
the White Knight moves, the Black Bishop can capture the Black Rook. This
trade, Bishop for Rook, gives Black a winning advantage, but not a sure win.

A general rule when pinned is to get rid of the pin by either attacking
the pinning piece or by moving the pinned piece.
Set up the board with the Non-Absolute Pin and try these moves:
1) Pawn to h2 OR
2) R to e1
Either of these moves gets rid of the pin.
One fun thing to do is to keep a running tally of how many Pins you can have
in a game. Keeping track on a chart can help you anticipate moves and remind
you to look at all possibilities!

Name

Absolute

Non-Absolute

47

Three Piece Problems

Work together with your opponent to try to solve these 4 problems that
involve only three pieces on the board. Talk about different moves you could
make. Solutions are on the next page. White moves first.
A

Checkmate in 1 move.

Checkmate in 1 move.

8q

2q

Checkmate in 2 moves.

D
8

q
K
c

q
K

3
2

Checkmate in 5 moves or less.

48

Three Piece Problems Solutions

Problem A
Qg2 OR Qa1

Problem B
Qa1 OR Qb1 OR Qg2 OR Qh2

Problem C
White
Kg3
Qg2 Mate

Black
Kh1

Problem D
White
Kf4
Qd2
Kg3
Qe1 Mate

Black
Kf2
Kf1
Kg1

49

Assessment Chess Puzzles

Set these games up and try to solve. RECORD YOUR MOVES. Lower case are white.
Underline color moves first. Answers follow.
Black to move and mate in 2 moves.

8
7

Kn

3
2

r
a

White to move and mate in 2 moves.

p
q

r
e

Kn

Black to move and mate in 2 moves.

8

r
r

Black to move and mate in 2 moves.

p
a

50

Black to move and capture Q in 2 moves.

Kn

Black to move and mate in 2 moves.

8

Kn

Q
a

P
P

k
e

R
B

P
Kn
kn

kn

b
p

White to move and mate in 2 moves.

White to move and mate in 2 moves.

r
d

51

Answers to Assessment Puzzles

Puzzle A
White
--RxQ

Puzzle B
Black
Qg1
Nf2 Mate

Puzzle C
White
--PxP

Black
Pg5
PxP Mate

White
--Bd1

Black
Ra1
RxB Mate

Puzzle F
Black
Ne3
NxQ

Puzzle G
White
QxN
RxR Mate

Black
RxR

Puzzle D

Puzzle E
White
-e2

White
Re8
RxR Mate

White
--Qb8

Black
Qa8
QxQ Mate

Puzzle H
Black
RxQ

White
Ng6
NxN Mate

Black
NxN

52

Resources

53

Did You Know?

! Chess originated in India, where it evolved from a game called
Shaturanga. The game was invented between four or five thousand
years ago, by the wife of King Ravana of Ceylon, when the capital was
besieged by Rama.

! Byzantine Chess, or Circular Chess,

was an odd variant played on a
circular board having 64 squares
and 4 citadels.
! In politics as in chess, the center is
generally the strongest position.
Politicians who stray too far from
the center tend to lose elections.
! The fork move in chess is similar to
the martial art called Tai Chi Chuan.
! The Doolittle attack on Japan during World War II used the chess
move of a pin to successfully stop the Japanese.
! Chess is a recognized sport of the International Olympic Committee.
! The computer program Deep Blue was the first machine player to win
a reigning World Chess Champion when it defeated Garry Kasparov in
1997.
! Approximately 600 million people worldwide know how to play chess.
! The number of possible chess variants is virtually unlimited. Some
estimates are well over 2000.

54

Game Variations
Pocket Knight Start the game with your Queen side Knight in you pocket
and once during the game a player may take and place it anywhere on the
board in place of a move.
Double Move each player moves two times in a row, except you cannot give
check with the 1st move and if you are in check you must deal with it in the
first of your moves.
Rooks 8 This is a puzzle where you must position 8 rooks on the board so
that no one can be captured.
Body Chess - This is using large squares and people as chess pieces. For
students a painted chessboard on an outside surface can yield a lot of fun.
Names of the pieces can be placed on tag board or painted on pillowcases cut
to slip on students. One student can be designated the Chess Master for
each color to control the moves, or players can move to match a famous
match in history.
Dunsany's Chess (or Horde chess) - One side has standard chess pieces, and
the other side has 32 pawns
Peasant's Revolt: By R.L. Frey (1947). White has a king and eight pawns (the
peasants) against king, pawn and four knights by Black (the nobles).
Weak!: White has usual pieces, Black has one king, seven knights and sixteen
pawns. This game was played at Columbia University chess club in the 1960s.
Checkless Chess: Players are forbidden from giving check except to
checkmate.
Stationary King: Both players' kings are not allowed to move.
Three-check Chess: A player wins if he checks the opponent three times.

55

Curriculum Connections
Language Arts Ideas for the Classroom
Throughout the year choose from the following quotes and sayings and write
on the board for students to discuss or use for journaling prompts. You may
also have them research the person that the statement is credited.

Uneasy lays the head that wears the crown. Shakespeare

I see one more ahead the best one. Jose Capablanca
Never move a pawn and you will never lose a game. Tarrasch
The player who wins is the one who makes the mistake before the last.
Tartakover
Some part of a mistake is always correct. -- TARTAKOVER
You cannot play at chess if you are kind-hearted. -- FRENCH PROVERB
An isolated Pawn spreads gloom all over the chessboard. -- TARTAKOVER
Excellence at chess is one mark of a scheming mind"-- A. Conan Doyle
(in the mouth of Sherlock Holmes)
Life is a kind of Chess, with struggle, competition, good and ill events Benjamin Franklin
Life is like a game of Chess, changing with each move. - Chinese proverb
Some part of a mistake is always correct Tartakover
A player surprised is half beaten Proverb
No one ever won a game by resigning. Unknown

56

A strong memory, concentration, imagination, and a strong will

are required to become a great Chess player. - Bobby Fischer
Chess, like love, like music, has the power to make people happy. Tarrasch
Life is a kind of Chess, with struggle, competition, good and ill events. Benjamin Franklin
When you see a good move, look for a better one. Chess adage
Sassa was a legendary philosopher who was supposed to have invented chess
to break a Kings addiction. There are several wonderful childrens stories
similar to One Grain of Rice that can be read and compared.
Social Studies Ideas for the Classroom

Have students identify countries with top competition sites are homes
of the worlds greatest players.
Have students research the top players in the world and create
graphs showing the countries represented.
Have students research the lives of present or past famous players
such as Bobby Fischer, Mikhail Botvinnik, Jose Capablanca, Alexander
Alekhine, Anatoly Karpov, Gary Kasparov, Vishy Anand, or other grand
masters.
Have students research the history of chess and variations such as
Chattering, Blindfold chess and Blitz chess

57

King

Queen
Bishop
e
en

Chess
ess
Knight

Rook

Pawn

58

Classifying Chess Terms

Start with the following terms and sort them into three groups:

Actions, Pieces, and Moves.

Then find other words go with chess

that you can place into the same categories. Can you find another way to
sort the same words?

strategy
capture
king
vertical
pawn
castle
bishop
queen
horizontal
anticipate
rook
diagonal
knight
exchange
pin
stalemate
check

59

Chess Math
Queen = ____ Rook = ____ Bishop = ____
Knight = ____ Pawn = ____
Kn + B + P = ______
R + R = ____

P + P + Q = ____

B + B + Kn + Kn = ____

Which pieces would fit this equation?

$.90 + $.50 + $.10 = $1.50
________ + _________ + ______ __
Give me a combination of pieces that would
equal $.90.
___________________________________

60

How Many Squares Do you See?

At first glance it appears easy to find the number of squares on a

chessboard. Most young children just start counting. Use this activity to
enhance problem solving, organizing data, and recognizing patterns.
Engage: Give each pair of students a chess board and ask them: How many
squares are there on a chessboard?
Explore: Let each pair figure out their answer and then write their findings
on the board and the strategies they used.
Explain: Look at the variety of answers and lead the group in a discussion
that eventually leads to the sizes of the squares.

Teacher Note: There are many different-sized squares on the chessboard.

The complete list of answers is shown below:
1, 8x8 square
4, 7x7 squares
9, 6x6 squares
16, 5x5 squares
25, 4x4 squares
36, 3x3 squares
49, 2x2 squares
64, 1x1 squares
Therefore, there are actually 64 + 49 + 36 + 25 + 16 + 9 + 4 + 1 = 204
total squares on a chessboard
Elaborate: Once they realize there could be different sizes let them work
together again to revise their findings. It is best if students create a
method to discover this rather than handing them a worksheet or table. If
the children manage to find all of them, ask them if they can see a pattern
in the results (i.e. the square numbers in the table)

61

Evaluate: Have each pair of students work on a poster to explain the

strategies they used. Did they add correctly? Were they able to describe
some patterns? Go to rubistar.com and create a custom rubric appropriate
for the age you teach.
Teaching Notes:

62

Sample letter to Parents

Dear Parents,
Our goal this year is to teach your child to play the game of chess through
mini-games in the classroom. Then at home she/he can teach what they
learned to other family members and practice their moves.
Why are we doing this?
Chess has long been considered a way for children to increase their mental
prowess, concentration, memory and analytical skills. All of these traits are
needed for academic excellence. Games and interactive strategies appeal
directly to the experiential mind and provide a powerful balanced approach
to whole-brain learning. They develop practical and creative intelligence and
enhance school success.
Basically, we also want to give families something concrete to use to help
their child at home and to get kids away from the TV and interacting with
family members.
What can you do?
Purchase an inexpensive chess game. Keep the chess pieces together in a
zip-lock bag and put up when not playing.
Once or twice a week take out the chess game and play a mini-game with
your child.
As you play help emphasize that while its great to win, its also important to
accept defeat with grace. Help your child realize that they are responsible
for their own actions and must accept the consequences. (Play by the rules
and dont cry if you lose a piece!)
Above all enjoy this time, in no time at all your children will be grown and
hopefully will enjoy chess throughout their life.

Remember: Every great Chess player was once a beginner!

63

Supporting the Common Core State Standards in

Math
The Mini-Games and activities described in this book correlate to many
of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics depending on grade
level. The key standards are listed below:

Standards for Mathematical Practices (K-12)

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
4. Model with mathematics.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Standards for Mathematical Content

Kindergarten
Measurement and Data K.MD
Describe and compare measurable attributes.
1. Describe measurable attributes of objects, such as length or weight.
Describe several measurable attributes of a single object.
2. Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common, to
see which object has more of/less of the attribute, and describe the
difference. For example, directly compare the heights of two children and
describe one child as taller/shorter.
Classify objects and count the number of objects in each category.
3. Classify objects into given categories; count the numbers of objects in
each category and sort the categories by count.
Geometry K.G
64

Identify and describe shapes (squares, circles, triangles, rectangles,

hexagons, cubes, cones, cylinders, and spheres).
1. Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe
the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below,
beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
2. Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size.

First Grade
Operations and Algebraic Thinking 1.OA
Represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction.
1. Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving
situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and
comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and
equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
2. Solve word problems that call for addition of three whole numbers whose
sum is less than or equal to 20, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations
with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
Add and subtract within 20.
5. Relate counting to addition and subtraction (e.g., by counting on 2 to add
2).
6. Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and
subtraction within 10.
Number and Operations in Base Ten 1.NBT
5. Given a two-digit number, mentally find 10 more or 10 less than the
number, without having to count; explain the reasoning used.

Second Grade
Operations and Algebraic Thinking 2.OA
65

Represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction.

1. Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve one- and two-step word
problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together,
taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using
drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent
the problem.
Geometry 2.G
Reason with shapes and their attributes.
1. Recognize and draw shapes having specified attributes, such as a given
number of angles or a given number of equal faces.5 Identify triangles,
quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and cubes.
2. Partition a rectangle into rows and columns of same-size squares and
count to find the total number of them.

Third Grade
Operations and Algebraic Thinking 3.OA
Represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division.
1. Interpret products of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 5 " 7 as the total
number of objects in 5 groups of 7 objects each. For example, describe a
context in which a total number of objects can be expressed as 5 ! 7.
2. Interpret whole-number quotients of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 56 8
as the number of objects in each share when 56 objects are partitioned
equally into 8 shares, or as a number of shares when 56 objects are
partitioned into equal shares of 8 objects each. For example, describe a
context in which a number of shares or a number of groups can be expressed
as 56 8.
3. Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in
situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities, e.g., by
using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown
number to represent the problem.

66

4. Determine the unknown whole number in a multiplication or division

equation relating three whole numbers. For example, determine the unknown
number that makes the equation true in each of the equations 8 ! ? = 48, 5 =
3, 6 ! 6 = ?.
Solve problems involving the four operations, and identify and explain
patterns in arithmetic.
8. Solve two-step word problems using the four operations. Represent these
problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity.
Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and
estimation strategies including rounding.
Number and Operations in Base Ten 3.NBT
Use place value understanding and properties of operations to perform
multi-digit arithmetic.
1. Use place value understanding to round whole numbers to the nearest 10
or 100.
2. Fluently add and subtract within 1000 using strategies and algorithms
based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship
between addition and subtraction.
3. Multiply one-digit whole numbers by multiples of 10 in the range 1090
(e.g., 9 " 80, 5 " 60) using strategies based on place value and properties of
operations.
Geometric measurement: understand concepts of area and relate area to
multiplication and to addition.
5. Recognize area as an attribute of plane figures and understand concepts
of area measurement.
a. A square with side length 1 unit, called a unit square, is said to
have one square unit of area, and can be used to measure area.
b. A plane figure which can be covered without gaps or overlaps by n
unit squares is said to have an area of n square units.
6. Measure areas by counting unit squares (square cm, square m, square in,
square ft, and improvised units).

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7. Relate area to the operations of multiplication and addition.

a. Find the area of a rectangle with whole-number side lengths by
tiling it, and show that the area is the same as would be found by
multiplying the side lengths.
b. Multiply side lengths to find areas of rectangles with whole number
side lengths in the context of solving real world and mathematical
problems, and represent whole-number products as rectangular areas
in mathematical reasoning.
c. Use tiling to show in a concrete case that the area of a rectangle
with whole-number side lengths a and b + c is the sum of a " b and a "
c. Use area models to represent the distributive property in
mathematical reasoning.
d. Recognize area as additive. Find areas of rectilinear figures by
decomposing them into non-overlapping rectangles and adding the
areas of the non-overlapping parts, applying this technique to solve
real world problems.
Number and OperationsFractions 3.NF
Develop understanding of fractions as numbers.
1. Understand a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole
is partitioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b as the quantity
formed by a parts of size 1/b.

Fourth Grade
Operations and Algebraic Thinking 4.OA
Use the four operations with whole numbers to solve problems.
1. Interpret a multiplication equation as a comparison, e.g., interpret 35 = 5 "
7 as a statement that 35 is 5 times as many as 7 and 7 times as many as 5.
Represent verbal statements of multiplicative comparisons
as multiplication equations.
2. Multiply or divide to solve word problems involving multiplicative
comparison, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the

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unknown number to represent the problem, distinguishing multiplicative

comparison from additive comparison.
3. Solve multi-step word problems posed with whole numbers and having
whole-number answers using the four operations, including problems in which
remainders must be interpreted. Represent these problems using equations
with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness
of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including
rounding.
Number and OperationsFractions 4.NF
Extend understanding of fraction equivalence and ordering.
1. Explain why a fraction a/b is equivalent to a fraction (n " a)/(n " b) by
using visual fraction models, with attention to how the number and size of
the parts differ even though the two fractions themselves are the same
size. Use this principle to recognize and generate equivalent fractions.
2. Compare two fractions with different numerators and different
denominators, e.g., by creating common denominators or numerators, or by
comparing to a benchmark fraction such as 1/2. Recognize that comparisons
are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the
results of comparisons with symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions,
e.g., by using a visual fraction model.
Build fractions from unit fractions by applying and extending previous
understandings of operations on whole numbers.
3. Understand a fraction a/b with a > 1 as a sum of fractions 1/b.
a. Understand addition and subtraction of fractions as joining and
separating parts referring to the same whole.
b. Decompose a fraction into a sum of fractions with the same
denominator in more than one way, recording each decomposition by an
equation. Justify decompositions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.
Examples: 3/8 = 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 ; 3/8 = 1/8 + 2/8 ; 2 1/8 = 1 + 1 + 1/8 =
8/8 + 8/8 + 1/8.
c. Add and subtract mixed numbers with like denominators, e.g., by
replacing each mixed number with an equivalent fraction, and/or by
using properties of operations and the relationship between addition
and subtraction.

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d. Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions

referring to the same whole and having like denominators, e.g., by
using visual fraction models and equations to represent the problem.
Measurement and Data 4.MD
Geometric measurement: understand concepts of angle and measure
angles.
5. Recognize angles as geometric shapes that are formed wherever two rays
share a common endpoint, and understand concepts of angle measurement:
a. An angle is measured with reference to a circle with its center at
the common endpoint of the rays, by considering the fraction of the
circular arc between the points where the two rays intersect the
circle. An angle that turns through 1/360 of a circle is called a onedegree angle, and can be used to measure angles.

Fifth Grade
Operations and Algebraic Thinking 5.OA
Write and interpret numerical expressions.
1. Use parentheses, brackets, or braces in numerical expressions, and
evaluate expressions with these symbols.
Number and OperationsFractions 5.NF
Use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions.
1. Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed
numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way
as to produce an equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like
denominators. For example, 2/3 + 5/4 = 8/12 + 15/12 = 23/12. (In general,
a/b + c/d = (ad + bc)/bd.)
2. Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions
referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike denominators, e.g., by
using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem. Use

70

benchmark fractions and number sense of fractions to estimate mentally and

assess the reasonableness of answers. For example, recognize an incorrect
result 2/5 + 1/2 = 3/7, by observing that 3/7 < 1/2.
Geometry 5.G
Graph points on the coordinate plane to solve real-world and
mathematical problems.
1. Use a pair of perpendicular number lines, called axes, to define a
coordinate system, with the intersection of the lines (the origin) arranged to
coincide with the 0 on each line and a given point in the plane located by
using an ordered pair of numbers, called its coordinates. Understand that
the first number indicates how far to
travel from the origin in the direction of one axis, and the second number
indicates how far to travel in the direction of the second axis, with the
convention that the names of the two axes and the coordinates correspond
(e.g., x-axis and x-coordinate, y-axis and y-coordinate).
2. Represent real world and mathematical problems by graphing points in the
first quadrant of the coordinate plane, and interpret coordinate values of
points in the context of the situation.

Sixth Grade
Ratios and Proportional Relationships 6.RP
Understand ratio concepts and use ratio reasoning to solve problems.
1. Understand the concept of a ratio and use ratio language to describe a
ratio relationship between two quantities

71

Increase Your Knowledge

There are many wonderful Chess books written and whole libraries dedicated
just to this popular game. The most effective way to find those books is to
search the internet using a search engine like google.com or a specific book
site like amazon.com. Below are four chess sites that will get you started to
discover the depth and world popularity of chess. All have links to other
sites and resources.
http://nscfchess.org - National Scholastic Chess Foundation
This has great educational research studies and article.
http://chessbase.com - This has up-to-date chess news with an international
flavor
http://fide.com World Chess Federation
This is a site where you can see the top rankings in the world!
http://www.princeton.edu/~jedwards/cif/intro.html This is a quick, free,
and easy internet chess site useful for a learning center in a classroom.
Notes:

72

Glossary
Advantage having more value of pieces or better board position than your
opponent.
Capture - to attack a piece, remove it from the board and your piece in
placed in that square.
Castling If the King and Rook have not been moved, you may move the King
two squares toward the Rook, which then jumps over the King into the next
square. You cannot castle into or through check.
Draw - Unlike a stalemate, a draw or tie can occur when neither side has
sufficient materials to checkmate. A draw can be agreed upon by the
players. Also, a repetition of moves can end in a draw.
Doubled pawn two pawns in adjacent squares in the same column and usually
something you want to avoid.
En passant If your pawn is one your fifth row and your opponent moves a
Pawn two spaces to end up alongside it, you can on your next move capture it
as if it moved one square.
Exchange to lose one piece of equal value to one that is captured.
Fork- when a piece is attacking two men at the same timeusually easiest to
do with the Knight.
Jadoube a French saying meaning I adjust, you say before you want to
center a piece but not play it.
Major chess pieces the King, Queen, Rook
Minor pieces - Bishop, Knight and Pawns.
Pin when a piece cannot move without sacrificing another piece besides the
King!

73

Protection - when one piece is guarding another so it cant be captured.

Resign to give up before you are checkmated.
Sacrifice the act of giving up one piece in a plan to capture something of
more value.
Stalemate This can happen when the game ends in a tie or if the player has
no legal moves but his King is not in check. In a classroom situation instruct
children if they only have a King left to count their moves and if they can
make 10 moves without being placed in checkmate then the game can be
called a draw.
Zugzwang A German word often said when you have to make a move you
really dont want to!

74

Mini-Game Chess
Reproducible Student
Sheets

75

How to use
Copy the Mini-Games, cut them
apart and store in 6x9 envelops for
easy access when needed.
Give one sheet to each pair of
students to encourage
collaboration.
If students keep a chess
journal you can also copy one for
them to paste into their journal
for future reference.
The sheets can also be placed
on a document camera for whole
group discussions.

76

P P P P P P P P

Mini Game # 1
Pawn Parade
Win by getting more pawns to your
opponent's back row!

p p p p p p p p

B
B
P P P P P P P P

Pawn moves one square forward,

captures 1 square diagonally forward,
can move 2 up on the first move.

Mini Game # 2
Bishops Beware
Be the first to get a Bishop to your
opponents back CORNER to win.
Your Bishop only moves diagonally!

p p p p p p p p
b
b

77

R
P

Q K
P P

R
P

Mini Game # 3
Queen Rook Checkmate
Win if you get a checkmate or tie if
you end in a stalemate.

p
r

p p
q k

p
r

Kn
Kn
P P P P P P P P

Rook moves horizontal or vertical

King - one space in any direction..
Queen - any number of spaces in a
straight line.

Mini Game # 4
Horse Race
Be the first to get a knight to your
opponents back row to win.

p p p p p p p p
kn
kn

Knight - moves in an "L" - one, two, over

and captures only wat they land on.

78

R Kn B
P

B Kn R
P

Mini Game # 5
Last Man Standing

To win this game, move and capture.

The last piece left on the board wins
the game!
Rook moves horizontal or vertical
Bishop moves diagonal
p Knight moves like an L one, two, over
r kn b
b kn r and captures only what they land on.
Pawn moves one square forward,
captures 1 square diagonal forward, can move 2 up the first move.

R
P

R
P

Mini Game # 6
The King's Nightmare
Use your two Rooks to trap the King in
a checkmate!
Your Rook moves horizontally or
vertically.

p
r

p
r
79

Q K
P P

Mini Game # 7
Queen's Kiss of Death

To win this game, the Queen must

Check the King!

p p
q k

R Kn B Q K B Kn R
P P P P P P P P

Queen moves in a straight line any

direction.
King moves one square any direction.
Pawn moves one square forward,
captures 1 square diagonal forward, can
move 2 up the first move.

Mini Game # 8
Show Me the Money
Decide with your opponent on an
amount you want to play for: $1.00?
$1.50? $2.00?

p p p p p p p p
r kn b q k b kn r

Then play until one of you captures

that VALUE of pieces and you are the
winner!

Queen = $.90 Rooks = $.50 Bishops & Knights = $.30 Pawns = $.10
80

Mini Game # 9
Half the Battle

The Kind and Queen must cut their budget. Therefore they can only send
half the value of their army into battle.
5.

Decide what pieces you will use. Be ready to defend your budget.

6. Place the pieces (along with the King and Queen) in their starting positions.
7. Play until you have EITHER a checkmate OR have captured over half the
value of your opponents army.
8. Be ready to defend either orally or by journaling how you won, lost, or had a
draw.

Pawns = 10 each, Bishops and Knights = 30

= 90 , King = priceless

R Kn B Q K B Kn R

each, Rooks = 50

each, Queen

Mini Game # 10
Major Players
Win this game by a checkmate OR
reducing your opponent to only their
king left on the board. Take turns being
white.

r kn b q k b kn r

81

Kn B
P P

p p
kn b

B Kn
P P

p p
b kn

R Kn B Q K B Kn R
P P P P P P P P

p p p p p p p p
r kn b q k b kn r

Mini Game # 11
Medieval Minors
Cut two narrow strips of paper to
create a fence on the two middle ranks
(rows 4 & 5) to create a corral.
The player with the most pieces in the
middle corral after 10 moves per player
wins a point. Tie games are worth !
point ! point. First player to reach 5
points wins.

Mini Game # 12
Seconds for Sixes
Set up a full game. If the pieces you
have captured have a value that is a
multiple of six then you get two turns
in a row! (30, 60, 90, etc). The first
player with three double turns win.

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Mini Game # 13
Build an Army
Each player chooses any 6 pieces and
places them in their regular starting
position. Win by being the first to
capture any 4 pieces.

Mini Game # 14
Create Your Own Game
Pieces to use:

How to win:

83