Chess is so much more than simple squares, pieces, letters and numbers. But it certainly helps the learning process when you bring the game to life!
Below are some of the animated GIFs that ChessKid uses in videos that teach kids how to play and get better at chess. They might bring a smile to your kid's face...and maybe yours, too!
Which is your favorite? Feel free to copy and paste them into your school newsletters, your program's social media sites, and wherever else you want to promote ChessKid!
MAGIC BISHOP: The bishop has a long reach and the impact of a well-placed bishop can certainly be magical.
JUMPING KNIGHTS: Knights are fun because they are the only piece that can jump. But how high!?
STRONG KING: The king is a weak piece in some circumstances...but he can also be incredibly strong -- especially in the endgame!
THROWING IN THE TOWEL: This bishop has had enough. He's giving up!
DANCING ROOKS: I actually can't even remember what this one was about, but it is hilarious.
SNOW PLOW: We often call it a "snow plow" when you have two central pawns working together to go up the board. Even strong pieces will run away from them!
TOO MANY IDEAS: Having great ideas in chess is wonderful...unless you get so overwhelmed that you have to start over.
KITCHEN SINK: There is a saying that "he threw everything at him but the kitchen sink." In this case, the sink WAS used, but it didn't help.
NERVOUS KING: The situation on the board does NOT look good!
PAWN PROMOTION: This is a great way to visualize a pawn promoting to a queen!
GOOD AND BAD BISHOPS: I think you can tell in this GIF which is the bad bishop!
SHAKESPEAREAN: What on earth is this piece going on about!?
WINNING THE LOTTO: Playing chess is definitely more rewarding than playing the lotto...but it's fun to see it rain cash!
BAD COMEDY: This bishop thought your chess move was a joke...and not a funny one!
KING MAGICIAN: It's no trick. This king is trying to help you win!
WINDMILL: The rook and bishop can combine to make a powerful "windmill" tactic...but I don't think this is what they had in mind!
QUEEN CANNON: The queen can be an extremely powerful piece when launched into battle.
We hope you enjoy using these GIFs as much as we did making them!