No Stress Chess

Took it out of the box today shortly before dinner, the worst time of the day to introduce something new to children. My six-year-old and my almost-5-year-old dove right in and played three rounds of Level 1 against each other. Within ten minutes, both kids had learned how to move every single chess piece. Yes, I was there, explaining things when they made mistakes and pointing out opportunities to take pieces, but after two games they informed me I was no longer needed (not true, actually, but it will be true by tomorrow). The board has two sides - I didn't realize this for the first few games, and played on the "real chess" side. The other side includes drawings to show you where to set up your pieces. With the pictures, my kids have no trouble setting up. Games took less than 10 minutes. We haven't tried the more advanced levels, which give players a little more control over which piece they move (at the basic level, you draw a card and move the piece it tells you to move). ... Read more

Previous reviewers on Amazon US have generally given praise for this clever game, both an introduction to how its included pieces conventionally move and also, in a twist that even those who know how to play already may enjoy, giving this ancient game of skill a bit of chance. My post shows in more detail how this concept works on various levels according to the directions. Cards for each piece show the moves, and if you draw the card, you must move the piece. If you cannot, you lose your turn. This allows, as the clearly indicated instructions explain, a freedom not open to standard players. This also liberates the King somewhat, to attack more often. The booklet, which also gives a concise explanation of standard chess, puts the rationale of this version thus: "You can take a chance of exposing your pieces to possible capture in the hopes your opponent won't draw a card picturing a piece he can move to capture yours." You also may draw, in six places in the 56-card deck, a "move ... Read more

I purchased "No Stress Chess" for my sons, 9 and 7. They had enjoyed "How to Play Chess with Fritz and Chester" on the computer, so I thought it was time for some hands on playing. They were dubious at first, but played through a game. It is now one of their favorite ways to spend time. I am surprised when I overhear their game and they have understanding of the rules of chess and movements of the pieces. I can say that they have taught themselves to play the game with the help of this set. My daughters, 10, 17, and 19, have started to play and learn the game as well. Overall, a great purchase, definitely recommended.

Our family has played No Stress Chess for several months now. Our 5-year old and 4-year-old dove right in initially and we played this game night after night for the first couple of weeks. We still pull the game out now about 1-2 times per week, but we don't use the cards. The reason I gave this only 4 stars instead of 5 is that the cards don't provide more information to transition beginners from the basic moves. The game should've included more tips to extend the usefulness of the playing cards. Still, at $14, this is a great investment in family fun. The flip side of the board can continued to be used as a standard chess board.

This is an easy way to teach a beginning player how to play chess, or a great refresher for an adult who may not remember how all the pieces move.