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For Gifted Students: Chess

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  • Organizations: National

    U.S. Chess Federation (USCF)
    The U.S. Chess Federation, is the official sanctioning body for over the board tournament play in the US. With over 88,000 members, they offer something for every player, from beginner to Grandmaster! In addition to rating tournaments, the USCF supports and promotes chess activities throughout the US and publish two national magazines, Chess Life and Schoolmates (for scholastic, new, and novice players).

  • Organizations: State

    Colorado Master Chess, Inc. (Denver, CO)
    Operated by National Master Todd Bardwick, Colorado Master Chess, Inc. is dedicated to excellence in chess instruction and promotion in the Denver, Colorado area and the entire front range. Chess lessons and Chess camp are offered.

  • Printed Materials: Books

    Better Chess for Average Players
    This book will help the amateur player who wants to improve his or her chess skills. The section on "Choosing a Move" includes a 10 point checklist to utilize in selecting a move.
    Chess Tactics for Students
    Chess Tactics for Students is an instructional workbook containing 434 selected problems presented in a worksheet format and has been field tested with elementary, middle-school, and high-school students. According to a book review: "With the movement to introduce chess into schools gaining momentum, there is a real need for usable chess curriculum materials of just this sort. Workbooks alone will not be enough, of course; they are not substitutes for real practice and good teaching. Bain knows this, and on p. viii of the Teacher's Edition he gives a remarkably sensible overview of performance objectives for chess as a curriculum subject which ought to be required reading for every chess coach."
    Starting Chess: Kid Kits (Usborne Kid Kits)
    Chess notation is described but not required for learning the moves (drawings are shown instead). The book covers all the basics for each piece, discusses exchanges, special moves, opening moves and tricks and endgames. There is some chess history as well as simple puzzles. Excellent beginners book on chess fundamentals.
    Test Your Chess: Piece Power
    A very good book about chess. All you need is a chess board with pieces and a desire to learn.

  • Schools & Programs: College Affiliated

    College for Kids Program - St. Louis Community College (St. Louis, MO)
    The College for Kids (CFK) program is offered by the Continuing Education office of St. Louis Community College at Meramec for gifted and talented elementary and middle school youth who have completed kindergarten through eighth grade. Courses offered are designed to challenge and advance a student's skills. Programs are offered in the spring and summer.

  • Summer Programs: National

    USA Chess National Summer Chess Camp
    USA Chess provides chess activities for children in more than 100 US cities. Activities include a national summer chess camp tour, scholastic tournaments, school chess programs and private/group lessons.

  • Summer Programs: Southern Region

    Chess America (TX - multiple locations)
    With four locations in North Texas to choose from (Richardson, Arlington, Flower Mound and Weatherford), this organization runs summer chess camps for students from all communities. Level-appropriate instruction is provided for new, beginner, intermediate and advanced players. All chess sets and supplies are provided by Chess America.

  • Websites & Other Media: Commercial

    Solitaire Chess
    You don't have to know chess to be a master of this addictive logic game! The rules in Solitaire Chess are simple - first set up the chess pieces on the board according to one of the 60 challenge cards, then proceed to capture and eliminate all but one piece using only moves allowed in traditional chess. You must capture a piece with every move, so this ThinkFun logic puzzle game is fast-paced and always exciting!

  • Websites & Other Media: For Fun

    Chess Variant Pages
    This website offers users an introduction to hundreds of variants of chess -- both modern and historical. Some are truly mind-boggling and the historical development of chess is very interesting. The site also offers links to game programs and other resources for playing many of these variants.
    ChessKid.com
    This website is designed to teach chess and allow students to play against others from around the world.
    ChessMates
    This CD teaches you how to play chess through animation, graphics and interesting moves. Best for beginning players.
    International Chess Portal
    This site is home of the International Chess Portal, founded by the GM Chess School. It offers personal online instruction by grandmasters and Russian trainers and coaching via e-mail.
    Lego - Pirates Chess Set
    This is a great beginning chess game set to stories created with Lego figures. Build the fun beach-themed board, assemble the 32 colorful, brick-built playing pieces, and start learning this classic strategy game with friends and family. This set includes pirates and Bluecoats, which you can easily move around the board.
    Searching for Bobby Fischer
    The movie, "Searching for Bobby Fischer," won the 1994 Parents' Choice Award. Based on a true story, it tells about Josh Waitzkin as a 7-year-old chess prodigy. At one point, Josh battles a problem with low self-confidence, fearing to lose; Josh Waitzkin is now an International Master in chess.

  • Websites & Other Media: Informational

    Chess.com News
    Chess.com provides a one stop for those interested in chess with the latest chess news and other information.
    IChessU: Your Online Chess School
    The International Chess University is a website that specializes in chess education. The website offers private and group lessons, as well as lessons for people with special needs, such as ADHD, Alzheimer´s. Offering lessons in group and private classroom settings, all classes are online with a developed Chess Learning Platform and Audio/Video interactive system. This system allows students and coach to literally see and hear each other as they were sitting in the same living room.