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Subject: Suggestions on Teaching a Child with a Computer Chess Program

Author: KarinsDad

Date: 07:54:33 03/02/04


My 6 year old daughter recently got a relatively nice wooden chess set for
Christmas.

So twice a week, we have been "playing chess" and she has slowly been learning
some simple game elements.

Last night, I pulled out my laptop with Chessmaster 8000 on it and she started
playing on her board with me making the moves from the computer. I put the
program on its simplest setting which basically means that the opponent hangs
pieces right and left. The deal is that if Karin beats a given CM opponent two
games in a row, once as white and once as black, she then moves up to the next
higher rated opponent. She won rather easily last night.


My concern is that of potential frustration. Eventually, Karin will get lucky
against an opponent that is a challenge for her and then she will be facing one
which she cannot beat for a long time.

I realize that I can lower her back down to a lesser powerful opponent, but I
also want her to feel that she is being successful and getting better (hence,
better opponents).

Any suggestions on how to do this? Maybe some type of more formalized tournament
once she basically gets up to an opponent level which is challenging?

Also, has anyone else used a computer chess program in other ways to teach chess
to a child?

Thanks.



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