Parents' Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is Checkmate Charlie designed for?

Checkmate Charlie is designed for children aged 4+. The videos are short and visual, the songs are catchy and easy to remember, and the worksheets use simple instructions that a parent or teacher can read aloud.

Do I need to know chess to use Checkmate Charlie?

Not at all. Every piece of content starts from scratch and introduces chess one step at a time. You do not need any chess knowledge to sit down with your child and work through the videos, games or worksheets together.

Are the worksheets free to download?

Yes. All printable worksheets on Checkmate Charlie are free to download and print at home or in the classroom.

How long are the videos?

Most videos are between 2 and 10 minutes long. Songs are typically around 2 minutes, while lesson videos that explain how a piece moves are usually 5 to 10 minutes. All videos are designed to be easy to watch in a single short session.

How do I help my child practise chess at home?

The best way is to keep sessions short and fun. Watch a video together, try a worksheet, or play one of the interactive games on the website. You do not need a physical chess set, everything on Checkmate Charlie can be done digitally.

Is there a structured learning path to follow?

Checkmate Charlie introduces chess piece by piece, starting with recognition and then movement rules. A good starting point is the Learn page, where you can find videos and worksheets grouped by topic. Each piece has its own lesson video and a matching worksheet pack.