Many children learn to play chess at home. You, the parent, teach them how to move their pieces, set up the board and begin play. Depending on your skill level these lessons may be very basic, but know they are invaluable.

You have started them down an exciting path. Inevitably they will venture off and play others in school or perhaps even take lessons. As this happens expect your child to come home one day and beat you. As they continue to learn and expand their knowledge those victories may become commonplace.

How you handle these losses will determine your child’s future in chess.

If you are upset, in any way, your child will probably give up playing chess, rather than risk hurting you again. Count on that. If you are elated and proud, you will give them one of the greatest wins of their life. Just try to stop your child now!

When your child is trouncing you consistently, that is the time to allow them to teach you something about the game. Yes, it may involve swallowing your pride a little, to allow your cute little nine-year-old child to show you the ropes of this ancient game, but you will actually be continuing their instruction in the best way possible.

When anyone is given the opportunity to teach someone else a skill, their ability improves in that area.

Teaching is a powerful way to learn.

Breaking down a subject so that someone else can grasp it involves a challenging process that brings about a greater understanding for the teacher. It is truly a way to master a subject.

Congratulations on having a brilliant chess champ in your family! Their victories on the board will translate into life wins, which will carry forward into adulthood. Remember your child’s victories are in fact yours.