Introducing "Understanding Chess Rules Grade 1 Worksheets," an engaging way for young learners to dive into the world of chess! These worksheets are designed to teach first-graders the fundamental rules of the game in a fun and interactive manner. Through varied activities like matching pieces, identifying moves, and practicing concepts, students will enhance their problem-solving skills and critical thinking. Each worksheet is thoughtfully crafted to foster a love for chess while promoting cognitive development. Perfect for classroom use or at-home learning, these worksheets are an excellent resource for educators and parents alike, setting the foundation for future strategy games. Start your chess journey today!


Check out this FREE Grade 1 "Understanding chess rules" Trial Lesson!

King

Favorites
With answer key
Interactive
  • Grade 1
  • Understanding chess rules
How Rooks Capture Worksheet
How Rooks Capture Worksheet

How Rooks Capture Worksheet

Chess is a game that requires skill, concentration and planning. Players must move their chess pieces strategically to capture pieces from their opponent. Do your kids know how to use the rook to capture pieces? Go through the worksheet with them and circle the pieces the rook can capture.
How Rooks Capture Worksheet
Worksheet
How King Moves Worksheet
How King Moves Worksheet

How King Moves Worksheet

Teach your kids the fundamentals of chess with this worksheet! The goal is to checkmate the opponent's king, so it must be protected at all times. The king moves along files, ranks, and diagonals (except one square at a time), and cannot move to a square next to the enemy king. Your kids will soon master the art of checkmate!
How King Moves Worksheet
Worksheet
How Rooks Move Worksheet
How Rooks Move Worksheet

How Rooks Move Worksheet

Help your kids master chess with this worksheet! Explain how rook pieces move along ranks and files, and have them mark the squares it can move to. Note that it can't jump over other pieces. With your guidance, they'll soon understand the game they love.
How Rooks Move Worksheet
Worksheet
How Queen Captures Worksheet
How Queen Captures Worksheet

How Queen Captures Worksheet

Chess is a great game for sharpening math skills, strategic thinking, and knowledge of how each piece moves. If your child is interested, introduce them with this worksheet. It demonstrates how the queen can capture opposing pieces, such as another queen, and take their place.
How Queen Captures Worksheet
Worksheet
Check. Checkmate or Stalemate? Worksheet
Check. Checkmate or Stalemate? Worksheet

Check. Checkmate or Stalemate? Worksheet

Chess teaches critical thinking, reasoning, and logic skills in a fun way. With this downloadable worksheet, kids can look at chess boards and decide if the sides are in check, checkmate, or stalemate. Win or lose, a stalemate can be a great outcome, and kids can learn and build skills with each move!
Check. Checkmate or Stalemate? Worksheet
Worksheet
Castling No–no's: Part 1 Worksheet
Castling No–no's: Part 1 Worksheet

Castling No–no's: Part 1 Worksheet

Help your child learn how to play chess by using this worksheet. Ask them to circle the king and rook that can castle in the picture. Explain that a king cannot castle if the king or rook has moved, or if there is any other piece between them. Knowing these rules will make playing a lot easier!
Castling No–no's: Part 1 Worksheet
Worksheet
How Pawns Capture Worksheet
How Pawns Capture Worksheet

How Pawns Capture Worksheet

Ask your child to circle all the places a pawn can capture in one move on the diagonal. Pawns are limited in the moves they can make, but can still capture enemy pieces. This worksheet will help brush up on their knowledge of the rules of chess.
How Pawns Capture Worksheet
Worksheet


Understanding chess rules at the Grade 1 level is vital for parents and teachers for several reasons. First, chess enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By learning the rules, children develop the ability to analyze situations, make strategic decisions, and anticipate consequences—core skills crucial for academic success and everyday life.

Second, chess promotes social skills and emotional intelligence. As students engage in games, they learn to handle both victory and defeat gracefully, fostering resilience, patience, and good sportsmanship—traits that are essential for personal growth.

Moreover, introducing chess at an early age can improve focus and attention span. The game requires concentration, which can translate into better performance in other subjects once children learn to pay attention for longer periods.

Additionally, chess can instill a sense of cultural knowledge and history. Understanding the game's origins can enrich a child's appreciation for different cultures, sparking curiosity and open-mindedness.

Lastly, engaging students in chess offers a fun, intellectually stimulating activity, breaking the monotony of traditional learning methods. Parents and teachers’ involvement in teaching chess rules not only enriches children’s learning experiences but also empowers them with lifelong skills.