Play Chess Against a Computer
Play chess against a computer to practice rules, tactics, and thinking ahead; learn moves, basic strategies, and how to analyze each game.
About this activity
Play chess against a computer to practice rules, tactics, and thinking ahead; learn moves, basic strategies, and how to analyze each game.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Decide whether you will play on a physical chessboard or on a chess app.
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Step 2
If you chose a physical board set up all the pieces in the starting position OR if you chose an app open it and choose Play vs Computer.
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Step 3
Set the computer difficulty to Beginner so you can practice safely.
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Step 4
Choose whether you will play as White or Black.
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Step 5
Set a simple timer like 10 minutes per side or decide to play without a timer.
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Step 6
Write one short learning goal in your notebook like "practice opening moves" or "watch for forks."
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Step 7
Make your first move and say what you moved out loud or write it in your notebook.
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Step 8
Before each of your moves pause and look for captures checks and threats on the board.
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Step 9
Try to move two different pieces toward the center within your first five moves.
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Step 10
Play until the game ends by checkmate resignation or draw.
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Step 11
Use the app review or replay your moves to find one mistake you want to fix.
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Step 12
Play another game and focus on fixing that one mistake.
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Step 13
Write two things you did well and one thing to practice next time then share your finished creation and what you learned on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How can my child practice chess by playing against a computer?
Start by choosing a child-friendly chess program or app and set the computer's difficulty low. Review basic rules and let your child make a few practice moves with guidance. Encourage them to think aloud about threats and plans while playing. Use takebacks or hints during learning, then review the finished game to point out key tactics and missed opportunities. Keep sessions short and frequent to build skill and confidence.
What materials and tools do we need to play chess against a computer?
You’ll need a device (tablet, computer, or smartphone) with a chess app or website like Lichess or Chess.com, or a physical chess set for hands-on practice. Optional items: a chess clock, a notebook and pen for recording moves, headphones to reduce distractions, and internet access for online play. Choose programs with adjustable difficulty, analysis tools, and kid-friendly modes; younger children benefit from larger boards or magnetic pieces.
What ages is playing chess against a computer suitable for?
Playing against a computer can work for children as young as about 5–6 who are learning piece moves with adult guidance. Ages 7–9 can play independently on easy settings and focus on basic tactics. From about 10 and up, kids can handle longer games, study openings, and use analysis tools. Tailor difficulty, session length (15–30 minutes), and supervision to your child's attention span and maturity.
What are the benefits of children playing chess against a computer?
Playing chess against a computer builds planning, problem-solving, concentration, and memory. Children practice pattern recognition and basic tactics, learn to analyze mistakes, and gain resilience by replaying positions. Computers offer consistent opponents, adjustable difficulty, and instant feedback useful for tracking progress. Short regular sessions improve thinking ahead without pressure; pairing play with parent review or puzzles reinforces learning and keeps the experience social and enc
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have a physical chessboard or a chess app?
If you don't have a physical board, print a paper board and cut-out pieces or open any free web browser chess site to follow the 'set up all the pieces' or 'Play vs Computer' step.
I'm having trouble spotting captures, checks, and threats before my move—what helps?
Follow the instruction 'Before each of your moves pause and look for captures checks and threats' by using your 10-minute timer to slow down, pointing at threatened squares with a finger, and jotting candidate moves in your notebook to track threats.
How can I adapt the activity for younger or older children?
For younger kids remove some pieces (like queens and rooks) and have them say each move out loud while older kids should raise the computer level above Beginner, use the app replay to analyze mistakes, and write a specific learning goal in the notebook.
How can we extend or personalize the activity after finishing the second game?
After playing and writing 'two things you did well and one thing to practice next time,' extend the activity by creating a personal opening checklist to practice, saving replays from the app, and sharing your notebook notes and a game screenshot on DIY.org.