- Check the space and the kit.
- Get your child's attention first.
- Show it from two sides.
- Say one thing only.
- End on one that works.
Put the phone down where you can see it. Tap Next with your thumb, or use the arrow keys.
Is the space marked?
- Set the board with a white square at the bottom right of each player
- Queen on her own colour
A king and queen against a lone king; then a king and rook.
Three minutes to get warm.
Easy jogging on the spot, then arms and legs. How to warm up well is explained at workonfitness.com.
- Place the queen a knight's move from the lone king: it is now in a box.
- Each move, shrink the box a little, staying a knight's move away.
- When the king is on the edge, bring your own king up beside it.
- Give checkmate with the queen guarded by your king.
Show it once from the front and once from the side, slowly. Then let your child try.
- Close the box with the queen.
- Bring the king up.
- Never shrink the box below three squares (stalemate).
- For the rook, use a waiting move.
How much: 3 mates each
Give the king a square
Beat the count
The rules
Mate the lone king in as few moves as possible.
- Start with the lone king in the middle and your king and queen on their usual squares
- Count every move you make until checkmate
- Write it down; try to beat it
Fair play: A grown-up must mate with the rook.
- Points
- 1 point for each move to checkmate; the lowest total is best.
- Fouls
- Add 10 points: a stalemate; leaving the queen where the king can take it
- Win
- Beat your best count.
- 20
- 15
- 10
A mate with king and queen in 3 of 3 tries.
End on one that works. If it was hard today, finish with the easier version.
Well played.
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