Now we play chess!

I purchased Learn To Play Chess with Fritz and Chesster 1 and 2 for my six year old son. It was the best software investment I have ever made. The basic premise of both programs is that young Fritz, the son of the white king, and his cousin Bianca, are learning to play chess in order to defeat the evil king black. In both programs, they are assisted by a chess playing rat, Chesster. Both programs also use a variety of games in order to teach chess strategy and rules.

Learn to Play Chess (2) is a continuation of the first program. It assumes a basic knowledge of chess rules and strategy. In this game, Chesster has been kidnapped by King Black. Fritz and Bianca go to save him. In order to escape the castle, Fritz, Bianca, and Chesster must pass through three levels each with a variety of chess machines that they must play in order to develop enough skills to defeat King Black. You cannot move forward until you have mastered all of the skills. The software is great in that it provides enough narrative so that kids are entertained and it breaks down the different strategies very effectively.

My son has enjoyed this program. He is becoming a proficient chess player and now is eager to play the real game. The best part of the software is that it is teaching him more than just how to move the pieces about.