Chess for Beginners: Free Printable Guide for Year 3
Chess for Beginners is a free printable guide for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8), in Key Stage 2. Learn how each piece moves. It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, a growing library of free printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795.
It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is the activity for children. Page 2 is for the grown-up: it has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, and a stretch idea. Print it at home or in the classroom. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
This guide includes a table to fill in.
A look at what children will meet:
- Piece
- How it moves
Who this is for
Year 3 (ages 7 to 8) in Key Stage 2.
Key Stage 2 covers Years 3 to 6, ages 7 to 11. Children are widening what they know and getting better at explaining their thinking, so activities that ask them to reason, not only recall, are especially useful. Use it at home, in class, on a rainy afternoon or at a family gathering.
What children practise
- Chess
- Rules
- Remembering
Learn how each chess piece moves.
Learning focus and curriculum link
Subject: Games. Key stage: Key Stage 2. It supports the subject at this level through short, focused practice.
This sheet is a practice and play activity. It supports classroom learning and is not a replacement for it.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the child. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- 2 players. About 20 minutes. Set up a chess set and try each move.
- Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice.
- Check against the notes on page 2.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
If it feels too hard
Move one piece at a time on the board.
To stretch confident children
Learn how pawns capture and how the knight can jump.
Make it a game
Play a game with pawns only.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Print on plain A4 paper. Black and white printing works too.
- Work through it together the first time, then let children try alone.
- Praise effort and thinking, not only correct answers.
A screen-free games activity for Year 3
Children spend a lot of time on screens. This is a screen-free games activity that needs only paper and a pencil. It works as quiet time after school, a rainy day activity, a holiday boredom buster or a calm moment before bed. Screen-free learning gives eyes a rest and gets children talking, thinking and writing by hand.
Free games resources for teachers
Teachers can use this guide as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task, a supply teacher resource, a homework task or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. The learning focus and skills are listed above so you can match it to your planning, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
Games ideas for parents at home
You do not need to be a teacher to use this. Read the sheet through, sit with your child for the first go and let them lead. Short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes work better than long sessions. If you are looking for free games worksheets for Year 3, or simple home learning for the weekend or school holidays, this is a good place to start.
Home education and tutoring
Home educators and tutors can print this as part of a wider games plan. It pairs well with books, outdoor play and everyday talk. Because the sheet is free and printable, you can use it again for brothers and sisters or for revision a few weeks later.
Why it helps children learn
Hands-on, paper based activities slow learning down in a good way. Children read carefully, think before they answer and see their own progress on the page. Games and challenges add a reason to keep going. That mix of play and practice is why printable activities like this are popular with parents, teachers and home educators.
What children will be able to do
- I can name the chess pieces.
- I can say how each piece moves.
- I can set up a chess board.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- How does the knight move?
- Which piece can move in any direction, and how far?
- Where does each piece go at the start of the game?
Play it for real
Jaques of London has made games and toys since 1795. These go well with this sheet:
- Staunton Chess Set - Wooden Chess Board and Pieces
- Wooden Chess Set - Travel Chess Set
- Magnetic Travel Chess Set
More like this
Same subject, one year up: Wink Murder Detective Cards | Same subject, one year down: Balloon Volleyball Score Sheet
Frequently asked questions
What age is Chess for Beginners for?
It is written for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8), in Key Stage 2.
What will children practise?
Learn how each chess piece moves.
How do I use it?
2 players. About 20 minutes. Set up a chess set and try each move.
What if it feels too hard?
Move one piece at a time on the board.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use.
Is Chess for Beginners suitable for teachers to use in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing.
Is this a screen-free activity?
Yes. It is a screen-free printable that needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays.
Can I use it for home education?
Yes. Home educators and tutors can use it on its own or as part of a wider plan. It is free to print again for brothers, sisters or revision.
How long does it take?
Most children finish page 1 in 10 to 20 minutes. The notes on page 2 suggest ways to make it shorter or longer.
Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.
More free printables
More for Key Stage 2 | More games printables | Free printable games | All Mini Minds Hub resources