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

Author: John Merlino

Date: 14:46:40 03/03/04

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On March 02, 2004 at 10:54:33, KarinsDad wrote:

>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.

You might want to also consider Majestic Chess. It's got the whole Chess
Adventure module that should keep your daughter busy for at least 30-40 hours.
And, since there are goals and puzzles and other diversions to break up the
monotony of "just playing chess", youngsters do very much seem to enjoy it.

Adults like it too.... :-)

jm



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