Basic Chess Openings for Kids

This Basic Chess Openings for Kids is an instructional chess book that teaches opening play through understanding, not memorising long lines. It shows young players how to develop pieces and pawns sensibly from the first moves so they can build a better position from the start.

Written by Charles Hertan, a FIDE master who has worked with young chess players for more than thirty years, the book takes a practical approach to the opening. Instead of a traditional line-by-line manual, it explains the basic principles behind good opening play: what each piece is good at, how to bring it into the game and how to make the pieces work together.

What the book covers

The focus is on the essentials that matter most for children and beginner players: development, activity, coordination between the pieces and avoiding common mistakes. Hertan also shows why simply learning variations by heart often does not lead to lasting improvement.

The writing is clear, accessible and humorous, which makes the material easier for children to absorb. At the same time, it remains useful for parents, trainers and adult beginners who want a straightforward way to understand opening play.

Who it is for

This is a good choice for children who already know the rules of the game and how the pieces move, and are ready to take the next step. It also works well for parents and trainers supporting young players, because it presents opening ideas in a structured and easy-to-follow way.

Inside, readers will also find advice on avoiding five common opening mistakes made by children. That makes the book useful not only for understanding openings, but also for improving practical play at the board.

About the author

Charles Hertan is the author of Power Chess for Kids and the recipient of the ChessCafe Book of the Year Award. Basic Chess Openings for Kids continues his long-standing work with young chess players and uses cartoon-style characters to support the text.

Key details

• Product type: chess book for children and beginners
• Subject: basic chess openings
• Approach: opening play taught through development, piece activity and coordination
• Author: Charles Hertan
• Author credential: FIDE master
• Audience: children, beginner players, parents and trainers
• Included content: advice on avoiding five common opening mistakes made by children
• Style: clear, accessible and humorous