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Chess levels & learning pathways
We divide Chess Kids into five distinct groups/levels based on skill set and focus areas.
Explore each level to gauge where your kid is at and where we can help to advance their chess skills.
Level 1
Chess Seeds (Newbies)
The Launch Level
Ages: 4–7
Rating: 0–300 ChessKid | 0–200 USC
Focus areas
- — Piece Movements (Pawn, Rook, Knight, Bishop, Queen, King)
- — Understanding Check, Checkmate, and Draws
- — Simple Mini-Games, Stories, and Puzzles
- — Confidence-building through playful, small-group learning
Level 2
Chess Builders (Beginners)
The Strategy Stage
Ages: 5–12
Rating: 300–700 ChessKid | 200–600 USCF
Focus areas
- — Checkmate Patterns (1–2 piece mates)
- — Basic Tactics (Forks, Pins, Skewers)
- — Strategic Foundations (Center control, piece development)
- — Full Game Practice with Feedback
- — Intro to Clocks and Friendly Tournament Rules
Level 3
Chess Thinkers (Intermediate)
The Thinking Stage
Ages: 6–12
Rating: 700–1000+ ChessKid | 600–1000+ USCF
Focus areas
- — Intermediate Tactics (Discovered Attacks, Double Checks, Combos)
- — Opening Systems & Common Plans
- — Planning & Positional Play (Pawn structures, weak squares)
- — Game Review and Self-Analysis
- — Basic Endgames (King & Pawn, Opposition)