What age can my child start?

Most children start comfortably between 5 and 7. Younger children can start if they can sit through a 30-minute conversation; we shorten early sessions where that helps.

Does my child need to know the rules already?

No. The First Moves stage starts from the board and the pieces.

How many classes a week are sensible?

One class a week keeps momentum; two accelerates progress. More than two rarely helps unless a tournament is coming up.

Online chess classes for kids

Children learn chess best from a person who notices what they are thinking, not from a video. Every Knightly class is live, taught by a coach matched to your child's age and level, and built around a curriculum with a clear next milestone.

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What a class actually looks like

A class opens with a short warm-up puzzle, moves into the day's theme, then applies it in a played position where the coach interrupts to ask why. The last few minutes set the practice work.

45 minutes for 1:1, 60 minutes for small groups.
One theme per class, applied immediately rather than lectured.
The coach asks questions instead of announcing answers.
Practice work is set for the week, not for the evening.

Ages and starting points

Most children start between 5 and 7, and we teach up to 16. Younger beginners do best in shorter 1:1 sessions where attention can be managed. Older children who already play usually move quickly once the gaps are identified.

How we match the coach

Matching considers age, current level, goals and how the child responds to correction. If the fit is not right, we change the coach, that is a normal request, not a complaint.

What parents get

A short summary of what was covered and what to practise, plus progress against curriculum milestones. You never need to assess the chess yourself, and you are welcome to sit in on any class.

Common questions

What age can my child start?: Most children start comfortably between 5 and 7. Younger children can start if they can sit through a 30-minute conversation; we shorten early sessions where that helps.
Does my child need to know the rules already?: No. The First Moves stage starts from the board and the pieces.
How many classes a week are sensible?: One class a week keeps momentum; two accelerates progress. More than two rarely helps unless a tournament is coming up.