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If Your Kid Plays Chess Or Wants To, Check These Gifts Out

Game on with gifts to introduce your kid to the Gambit.

Megan Baldwin · 4 months ago

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CAMP

CAMP

Blame it on Netflix, but chess is coming out of the game closet and having a moment. And if The Queen’s Gambit has taught us anything, it’s that boredom plus lots of free time to practice can equal a kid prodigy. It might also help if you have a coach in your basement. Whether your kid is already hooked on the rook or just learning the basics, we’ve put together a shortlist of gifts for your little chess lover. From fresh sets to books and accessories, here’s a few gifts that will introduce your kid to the gambit.

1. MoMA 2-in-1 Chess & Checkers Set

MoMA Design Store

MoMA Design Store

Chess can look intimidating to a first time player. This bright set (that also has a checkered option) looks more fun and was designed by Panisa Khunprasert, whose work was influenced by her experiences growing up in her family’s toy business in Thailand.

2. No Stress Chess Board Game

No Stress Chess Board Game

Winning Moves

Don’t have a grandmaster handy? No stress. This chess-teaching game shows kids age 7+ how to play using illustrated cards and an illustrated 2-sided board. Players play cards from their hand of either 3 or 5 cards  to move the chess pieces around the board.

3. Clack Board Game

Clack Board Game

Amigo

Spoiler alert: This is not chess. But for your youngest players, this board game is a great way to start building simple gameplay skills like matching, memorizing, and stacking up points.

4. The Chess Book

Usborne Chess Book

Usborne

This illustrated book introduces kids to the basics of chess, helping teach them simple strategies, get a handle on the pieces and how to play.

5. Rush Hour Traffic Jam Logic Game

ThinkFun Rush Hour

ThinkFun

Once your 8+ kid has a handle on the basics of chess, this logic building game help them hone their strategic thinking. Train your brain as you work your way through the game’s challenges — there’s 40 and they get harder as you go!

6. Retro Analog Chess Clock Timer

Retro Analog Chess Clock Timer

Betterline

This retro, brightly-colored chess clock looks like it just clocked out of The Queen’s Gambit. Good for family play, it lets you set the game for ten, 15, or 30 minutes on each side — so no all night matches.