How to help your child practise chess at home
What happens between lessons often matters as much as the lessons themselves. The good news: you don't need to be a chess player to help. A few small, regular habits make a big difference.
A simple weekly routine
- 10โ15 minutes of puzzles on most days. Short and regular beats long and rare.
- One or two slower games a week (15 minutes or more per side), where your child takes time to think.
- One short review: look at a lost game and find the move where things went wrong.
- Finish the homework set by the coach โ it is chosen to match what was just taught.
Puzzles: the fastest way to improve
Tactics puzzles ('white to play and win') train pattern recognition, which is the foundation of chess strength at every level. Free puzzle sections on sites like Lichess are a good start. Encourage your child to find the whole idea before moving, not to click quickly.
Go easy on very fast games
Many children love one-minute or three-minute games online. They are fun, but mostly reward speed over thinking. Balance them with slower games, which build the habits that win real tournaments.
How to talk about wins and losses
- Praise effort and good decisions, not just results โ "you spent a long time on that move, and it paid off."
- After a loss, ask "what did you learn?" rather than "why did you lose?"
- Let your child explain a game to you. Teaching is a powerful way to learn, even if you don't know the rules well.
Useful extras
- A physical board at home for replaying positions from class.
- A small notebook for writing down favourite tactics or lessons from games.
- Occasional friendly games with family โ no pressure, just play.
Common questions
How much should my child practise each week?
For most children, a few short sessions a week plus class is enough to see steady progress. Consistency matters more than total hours.
I don't play chess. Can I still help?
Yes. Encouraging a routine, asking your child to explain their games and celebrating effort helps a lot โ no chess knowledge needed.
Eight quick questions. Get a suggested level and course, or book a free 20-minute trial class.
