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

Newbie

Ages: 4–7

Focus areas

• — Piece Movements (Pawn, Rook, Knight, Bishop, Queen, King)
• — Basic Rules of Chess
• — Simple Chess Exercises
• — Fun Chess Activities (Puzzles, Stories, Videos)

Level 2

Beginner A

Ages: 5–12

Focus areas

• – Checkmate Patterns (Basic one and two-piece checkmates)
• – Fundamental Strategy (Controlling the center, piece development)
• – Basic Tactics (Forks, pins, skewers)
• – Practice Games with Feedback
• – Simple Chess Puzzles

Level 3

Beginner B

Ages: 5–12
Level: 400–999 Chess Kid, 400 USCF

Focus areas

• – Opening Principles (Development, control of center, king safety)
• – Intermediate Strategy (Pawn structures, basic endgames)
• – Advanced Tactics (Discovered attacks, double checks)
• – Game Analysis (Beginner game analysis)
• – Regular Practice Games

Level 4

Intermediate A

Ages: 5–12

Focus areas

• – Deep Opening Study (Common openings, variations, traps)
• – Advanced Strategy (Positional play, planning)
• – Complex Tactics (Advanced exercises, combined attacks)–
• – Endgame Principles (Key endgames, transitioning)
• – Detailed Game Analysis (Student games, master games)

Level 5

Intermediate B

Ages: 5–12
Level: 1000–1300 Chess Kid, 400–800 USCF

Focus areas

• – Deep Opening Study (Common openings, variations, traps)
• – Advanced Strategy (Positional play, planning)
• – Complex Tactics (Advanced exercises, combined attacks)
• – Endgame Principles (Key endgames, transitioning)
• – Detailed Game Analysis (Student games, master games)