Chess for Almost 5-Year-old Boy?

S.:

No, I do NOT think that 5 years old is too young!! He may not catch on too quick - but really - if he's interested - show/teach him how to play!!!

My boys have been playing chess since they were 5 & 6. One goes to classes after school to help him get better. He's actually beat his dad once!!! :)

So GO FOR IT!!!

My mom taught me to play chess at 5 yrs old. I still love playing to this day.

If he wants to learn, teach him!

My son is 5, almost 6.
My Husband taught him Chess, at 4 years old.
Why? My SON... wanted to learn.
My Husband taught him.
He knows how. Not like an adult in sophistication of course, but he does know how. And he likes to play it.
Also he knows how to play Backgammon.

If your son is interested, the game "Go" is also fun.
Both my kids like that, and learned how, early on.

A child can learn anything. My son knows measurements, how to tell time, addition/subtraction, how to play those games I mentioned. He has an inclination... for these things. We know that as his parents. Thus, IF HE is interested in something, we teach him. Not based on his "age."

Go for it! Wost case scenario - he doesn't catch on right away. My kids love chess. I think the oldest was 6 or 7 when he learned.

My oldest played chess at 5, but my youngest had no interest until he was about 7. Give it a shot and see how it goes. What do you have to lose?

Have fun playing games with your son! :)

My son will be 4 in September and he enjoyed learning the names of the pieces. He was not into learning about how they moved though. I think if your son shows an interest then you can teach him about the pieces, how they move and maybe even play a very informal game for fun. He is probably too young to take formal lessons, in my opinion.

what is folls? I say if he is able to grasp chess then by all means play it with him. My older two boys started playing chess in 1st grade so about 6. they played afterschool on the chess team and started going to chess meets in second grade. my youngest son didn't have any interest in it at all til about 7th grade. could he play it yes did he enjoy it before then nope.

It is amazing what kids can grasp when they are exposed. Go for it and see what happens!!

You may want to find a beginner's board, which has arrow markings for the moves, or perhaps create a sheet he can look at which depicts the moves each piece can make. You'll know if he's interested if he sticks with it.

There are also some other really fun strategy games for this age, too. Blokus is one. (Based on "Cathedral", which we have--- my son and I play this loosely.) Also, check out Rivers, Roads and Rails or The Kids of Carcassonne. They might be up his alley, too.

My boys are 8&6 and each learned at around 5...they have older brothers, cousins & Uncles who all love to play, so they were intrigued and wanted to join in.

It is amazing what their little minds can pick up...so I say go for it!
My boys love it!

Go right ahead!
Introduce him to the game, and make progress together, guided by how your son takes to it! Why ever not?! :)
Good luck!

I think chess at a young age is great. My daughter's fourth grade class played it every friday, and I felt badly that she wasn't very strong or confident at it -- a lot of the other kids had clearly played it for a long time before she started.

No! My son was playing chess better than I at 5. When he starts school he can join the chess team. Try him out with yahtzee too. My son accidently learned to multiply playing that game. He also learned his states playing Carmen SanDiego, Jr. - Monopoly is also a good one- great for counting the $$. And card games- we had one called CHOMP and Sleeping Queens is awesome. I think games are an awesome way to learn. We never forced any games on him. He just enjoyed them. It's super fun to watch them have fun and learn. (My daughter on the other hand was not interested in games and hated to lose- that was fine too.) .

My 7 year old learned from a friend and loves it