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Chess Academy for Kids by Geek Kids
Common Sense says
- iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- $4.99
- Education
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Chess Academy for Kids presents chess in an easy, step-by-step way that lessens the intimidation factor for kids who want to learn this classic game. Kids can review the 140 brief tutorials about each move, piece, rule, and strategy, and then play against a live opponent at home or against the app itself. The app tracks learning progress, which can help motivate kids to improve their game once they've learned the basics. For kids who don't have a seasoned chess player at home to teach them the game, Chess Academy for Kids is like having a personal chess tutor in their hands.
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What's it about?
From the menu, kids choose to view a tutorial, practice playing, or play a game. Tutorials are listed 1 through 140, and kids simply tap to read and learn about the chess piece, rule, or skill that interests them. To play, kids choose a character and select whether their opponent is the computer or a human (in person, who plays on the app with them). The game proceeds as usual, although the app provides prompts showing players all move options.
Is it any good?
Kids who want to learn chess will enjoy how the easy explanations and step-by-step tutorials in CHESS ACADEMY FOR KIDS ease them into the experience. There are a lot of settings to help kids customize gameplay, most of which make the game easier, such as showing the last move or available moves; if kids want to make the game more difficult, they can simply increase the computer's skill level up to 100 percent ("Hardest") or find a very challenging real-life opponent to play against at home or school. Chess is one of those classic games that helps kids with skills like thinking ahead, strategy, and logic far beyond the game's board. This app is a perfect blend of tutorials, practice, and play that will help kids develop those skills and enjoy the game at the same time.
Talk to your kids about ...
If you don't know how to play chess, read the tutorials with your kids and learn along with them so you can play together.
If you have a real chess board at home, get it out so your kids can manipulate the real pieces while they're using the app.
App details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Subjects: Hobbies: board games
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: decision-making, logic, strategy
Emotional Development: persevering - Price: $4.99
- Release date: August 10, 2012
- Category: Education
- Size: 22.40 MB
- Publisher: Next is Great
- Version: 1.3
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 4.0 or later
For kids who love strategy and board games
Our editors recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.