Chess for kids
Three free things, and you probably came for one of them: 36 printable worksheets with answer keys, easy puzzles to solve, and a chess trainer that needs no account to start. No adverts anywhere, nothing to buy, and no way for anyone to message a child using it.
This is the index page. The printable worksheets are at reflexchess.com/worksheets
Start with what you need
Three sheets to print first
If you want something on paper in the next five minutes, these three are the gentlest, in the order they make sense to teach.
PDFMate in One · Easy12 positions · answer key · Lichess 424–1268Download →PDFHanging Pieces · Easy12 positions · answer key · Lichess 496–1292Download →PDFBack Rank Mates · Easy12 positions · answer key · Lichess 441–1221Download →What the worksheets actually are
- Three pages each. Two pages of twelve numbered diagrams with a box under each to write the move in, then the answer key.
- Real answers, not just letters. Each solution is written in algebraic notation with a sentence on why it works, so an adult who does not play can still mark the sheet.
- Difficulty you can trust. The bands come from Lichess puzzle ratings, which are measured from how often players actually solve a position rather than assigned by somebody's guess. Every sheet prints its rating range at the top.
- Name, date and score at the top. They are built to be handed out and handed back.
- 432 positions in total, every one from a real game.
All 12 patterns
Each pattern has an Easy, an Intermediate and an Advanced sheet, which is what makes a mixed group workable: three tables, three levels, one idea.
And the same positions on a board that moves
The sheets are cut from the free Reflex Chess trainer: 87 skills and 10,440 positions from real games, grouped into short lessons. It runs in a browser, works offline, has no adverts, and tells you straight away whether you were right, which is the one thing paper cannot do. The first 3 skills (360 positions) and both practice modes need no account.
Open the trainer · Start with mate in one · Read the beginner guide
Questions
Is any of this free?
All of it. The 36 worksheet PDFs download with no sign-up and no email address, and they are free to print and photocopy including in coaching you charge for. The trainer opens its first section and both practice modes without an account.
What age is it for?
We do not put an age on it, because we cannot measure one. What we can tell you is the difficulty: the worksheets and puzzles are banded by Lichess rating, which is measured from how often players actually solve a position, and the easiest sheets start at 424. A child who knows how the pieces move can start there.
Do the worksheets come with answers?
Yes. Every sheet is three pages: two pages of twelve positions with a box to write the move in, then an answer key giving each solution in algebraic notation with one sentence on why it works. An adult who does not play chess can mark a sheet from it.