"Chess Rules for Students" by John A. Bain
Reviewed by John Rummel
Chess Rules for Students, An Activity Booklet for Chess Beginners, by John A. Bain, P.O. Box 398, Philomath, OR, 97370. Paperback, 55pp., $3.50 (bulk discounts available).
Though there are many basic texts available which will teach a child the basic rules of chess, few have been written in the form of curriculum guides from the perspective of a trained educator. While 1000's of chess players have undertaken to teach chess to children, most often they have been on their own to come up with creative ways to teach the rudiments of the game. John Bain's Chess Rules For Students fills this breach with a nicely written instructional guide that is also very suitable for classroom use.
Each page of this 45 page paperback manual is a lesson unto itself, divided into two sections, "Instruction," where the elements of the lesson are covered (e.g., How Knights Move and Capture) and "Activity," where questions are asked or opportunities to practice are given (e.g., "Write an 'x' on each square to which the Knight can move."). Each page can also be duplicated and given to students as a worksheet or homework. Answer keys are provided in the back of the manual.
The 34 separate lessons cover everything from starting positions to practicing Knight, Bishop, and Pawn checkmates; and much more. Other examples of lessons are "En Passant," "When can a King castle," and "Game Rules and Courtesies."
Bain's CRFS is a well conceived guide for teaching the rules and rudiments of the game to children or beginner adults. For those who are already engaged in teaching chess, CRFS could also serve as a valuable supplement. One of your students is unclear on what a stalemate is? Just direct that student's attention to lesson #32 and have him complete the questions when through. Not only will they have had exposure to good teaching materials, but you will also have a good comprehension check in the form of the activity questions.
