This children’s article, A kids’ guide to chess: the game of kings and queens, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about the history of chess, and discover amazing facts about this famous board game. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
The history of chess
Chess is one of the oldest games in the world. It originated in India approximately 1,500 years ago, where it was known as chaturanga. The game spread to Persia (modern-day Iran) before becoming popular all over the Arab world, before reaching Europe in the 9th century.
By the Middle Ages, kings, queens, and knights all played chess. It was called “the royal game” because it was so popular among rulers and nobles. The pieces and rules slowly changed into the version we know today.
Chess through the ages
In the 15th century, the queen became the most powerful piece on the board. Before that, the queen was weak and could only move one square at a time! Imagine how slow the game must have been.
By the 19th century, international chess tournaments began. From then on, chess grew into the serious sport it is today, with championships, grandmasters, and millions of fans around the world.
Cool chess facts
The longest possible chess game can last over 5,000 moves! And the word “checkmate” comes from the Persian phrase “shah mat”, which means “the king is helpless”.
Chess even went to space! In 1970, two Russian cosmonauts played a chess match against people on Earth while orbiting the planet. The game ended in a draw.
The best chess players
Some chess players have legendary status. Garry Kasparov from Russia was world champion for 15 years and is considered by most as the greatest player of all time. Bobby Fischer from the USA also became famous for beating the Soviet players during the Cold War.
Today, Magnus Carlsen from Norway is one of the best players in the world. He became world champion at just 22 years old and is still one of the strongest players in history.
Article vocabulary list
- Chaturanga – The ancient Indian game that became chess.
- Nobles – Rich or powerful people in the past, often close to kings and queens.
- Tournament – A series of games played to find a winner.
- Grandmaster – The highest title a chess player can achieve.
- Atoms – The tiny building blocks that make up everything in the universe.
- Cosmonauts – Russian astronauts.
- Champion – The winner of an important competition.
- Calculate – To work out numbers or moves carefully.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Where did chess first begin?
A) China
B) India
C) Egypt
Answer: B) India
2. Why was chess called “the royal game”?
A) Because only kings could play it
B) Because it was popular with rulers and nobles
C) Because the queen was the strongest piece
Answer: B) Because it was popular with rulers and nobles
3. What big change happened to the queen piece in the 15th century?
A) It could jump like a knight
B) It became the most powerful piece
C) It was removed from the game
Answer: B) It became the most powerful piece
4. When did international chess tournaments begin?
A) In the 10th century
B) In the 15th century
C) In the 19th century
Answer: C) In the 19th century
5. Which chess legend is from Norway?
A) Bobby Fischer
B) Magnus Carlsen
C) Garry Kasparov
Answer: B) Magnus Carlsen
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
