10+ Best Chess Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to introduce the game of kings to your young chess enthusiast? Look no further! Our curated selection of chess books for 10-year-olds is designed to captivate, educate, and inspire budding grandmasters. Whether they're just starting out or ready to sharpen their strategies, we've got something that will check all the boxes. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to make learning chess an exciting adventure!

Fun Chess Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Chess for Children by Murray Chandler and Helen Milligan, illustrated by Cindy McCluskey
  • Genre(s): Educational, Game Strategy
  • Synopsis: This book introduces the game of chess to children in an engaging way, using clear illustrations and simple language to explain the rules, moves, and strategies of chess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's designed to make learning chess fun and accessible, incorporating stories and illustrations that capture the imagination of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are new to chess or looking to improve their basic skills.

• The Kids' Book of Chess and Chess Set by Harvey Kidder, illustrated by Kimberly Bulcken Root
  • Genre(s): Educational, Game Strategy
  • Synopsis: This book teaches chess using a narrative that follows the history and rules of the game, accompanied by a chess set to practice with.
  • Why we recommend this book: It not only teaches the basics but also includes a physical chess set, making it a practical choice for hands-on learners.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy interactive learning and are interested in both reading and playing.

• How to Beat Your Dad at Chess by Murray Chandler
  • Genre(s): Educational, Game Strategy
  • Synopsis: This book covers 50 deadly checkmates that young chess players can use to challenge more experienced opponents.
  • Why we recommend this book: It focuses on improving tactical skills and provides clear examples of checkmate strategies that can help boost a young player's confidence.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring chess players who want to improve their game and impress family members with their skills.

• Chess Tactics for Kids by Murray Chandler
  • Genre(s): Educational, Game Strategy
  • Synopsis: This book offers 50 tactical tricks that kids can learn to outsmart their opponents in chess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies complex chess tactics into understandable parts, helping young readers to think ahead and plan winning strategies.
  • Perfect for: Young chess enthusiasts looking to enhance their tactical abilities and enjoy strategic thinking.

Educational Chess Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Power Chess for Kids by Charles Hertan
  • Genre(s): Educational, Game Strategy
  • Synopsis: This book aims to transform beginners into tough, competitive players. It introduces more advanced strategies and tactics through an engaging and straightforward approach.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, planning ahead in games, understanding of advanced chess tactics
  • Why we recommend this book: It moves beyond the basics, providing clear explanations and examples that challenge young players to think critically and improve their game.
  • Perfect for: Kids who have mastered basic chess skills and are ready to take their game to the next level.

• Chess Openings for Kids by John Watson and Graham Burgess
  • Genre(s): Educational, Game Strategy
  • Synopsis: Featuring 50 essential openings, this book breaks down complex ideas into manageable concepts for young learners.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of chess openings, strategic planning from the start of the game
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies the often complex world of chess openings, making them accessible and interesting for children.
  • Perfect for: Young chess players who want to start every game with a strong strategy.

• Starting Out in Chess by Byron Jacobs
  • Genre(s): Educational, Game Strategy
  • Synopsis: This introductory book covers all the basics of chess, including piece movement, game phases, and basic strategies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic rules of chess, understanding of game phases, initial strategic approaches
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a solid foundation for new players, ensuring they understand the core aspects of the game before moving on to more complex concepts.
  • Perfect for: Beginners who are just getting into chess and need a comprehensive overview of the game.

• Winning Chess Strategies for Kids by Jeff Coakley
  • Genre(s): Educational, Game Strategy
  • Synopsis: This book offers a variety of strategies aimed specifically at improving young players' games, with an emphasis on winning tactics and thinking.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Advanced tactical skills, strategic thinking, competition preparation
  • Why we recommend this book: It focuses on competitive play, offering insights and strategies that are particularly useful in real game scenarios.
  • Perfect for: Competitive junior chess players who are looking to improve their performance in tournaments.

Challenging Chess Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Mastering Chess Strategy by Johan Hellsten
  • Genre(s): Educational, Game Strategy
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide delves into the complex world of chess strategy, covering topics from pawn structures to sophisticated maneuvering.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces advanced strategic concepts that require a deeper understanding of chess beyond basic moves and tactics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers detailed explanations and examples that help young players develop a nuanced understanding of long-term strategic planning in chess.
  • Perfect for: Ambitious young chess players eager to deepen their strategic thinking and improve their game at a competitive level.

• Chess: 5334 Problems, Combinations, and Games by László Polgár
  • Genre(s): Educational, Game Strategy
  • Synopsis: This massive collection includes thousands of puzzles ranging from mate in two moves to complex combinations and endgames.
  • Why this book is challenging: The sheer volume and variety of puzzles provide a rigorous challenge that requires sustained focus and advanced problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a treasure trove of chess puzzles that can greatly enhance a player's tactical abilities and creativity on the board.
  • Perfect for: Young chess enthusiasts who love solving puzzles and want to test and expand their tactical skills.

• The Art of Attack in Chess by Vladimir Vuković
  • Genre(s): Educational, Game Strategy
  • Synopsis: This classic work focuses on attack strategies, teaching players how to recognize and exploit weaknesses in their opponent's position.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers complex attack strategies that require an understanding of both tactical and strategic elements of the game.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides insightful analysis on attacking play, which is crucial for winning games and improving as a competitive chess player.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young players who want to excel in the offensive aspects of chess and dominate their opponents.

• Endgame Strategy by Mikhail Shereshevsky
  • Genre(s): Educational, Game Strategy
  • Synopsis: This book teaches the essential principles and techniques needed to master chess endgames, with a focus on practical, real-game scenarios.
  • Why this book is challenging: Endgames require precise calculation and strategic foresight, challenging young players to think several moves ahead.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex endgame concepts into understandable strategies, helping players close games effectively and confidently.
  • Perfect for: Young chess players looking to improve their endgame skills and gain a competitive edge in the final phase of the game.

• Improve Your Chess Pattern Recognition by Arthur van de Oudeweetering
  • Genre(s): Educational, Game Strategy
  • Synopsis: This book focuses on key patterns that players must recognize to make quick, effective decisions during games.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires players to identify and memorize complex patterns, a skill that demands both practice and a good understanding of the game's dynamics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps players enhance their intuitive decision-making, allowing for faster and more accurate moves under pressure.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young chess players who aim to sharpen their tactical vision and improve their overall gameplay.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of chess through books, that's fantastic! Chess not only sharpens the mind but also enhances strategic thinking and patience. To make the most out of your chess books, especially for young readers like 10-year-olds, developing good reading habits is key. Here are some exercises that can help:

• Create a Reading Schedule
  • What it is: Set specific times and days for reading chess books.
  • How it helps: Ensures consistent reading and better absorption of material.
  • Tips: Align reading times with when you're most alert and curious, like after school or right before dinner.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of chess strategies and concepts.
  • Tips: Keep summaries short and focus on key points and new terms.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the chess concepts and strategies with friends or family members who play chess.
  • How it helps: Reinforces learning and allows for the exchange of ideas.
  • Tips: Try explaining a chess move or strategy you learned; teaching is a great way to solidify knowledge.

• Apply Concepts in Real Games
  • What it is: Use the strategies and concepts learned from the book in actual chess games.
  • How it helps: Practical application of knowledge deepens understanding and improves chess skills.
  • Tips: Start with simple strategies and gradually implement more complex ones as you grow more confident.

• Visualize Moves
  • What it is: Imagine chess moves in your head as you read them from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances mental visualization skills crucial in chess.
  • Tips: Try to picture the chessboard and pieces moving as you read through each play or strategy.

• Use a Chess Board for Reference
  • What it is: Have a chess board nearby to replicate moves and strategies as you read.
  • How it helps: Links theory with practice and helps memorize moves.
  • Tips: After reading a move, try it out on the board to see how it works in action.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make your journey through chess literature more productive but also a lot more fun. Remember, the goal is to not just read but to understand and apply what you learn. So, grab your chess book, set up your board, and get ready to become a young chess master in the making! Happy reading and playing!