Your first opponent

Many kids learn chess at home, from their mom or dad. At first, Mom or Dad wins almost every game. But with each game you play, you see a little more of the board. Then one day you deliver checkmate, and Mom or Dad has to say it out loud: you won.

How the game can end

A game against Mom or Dad ends in one of three ways.

• You checkmate their king, and you win.
• Mom or Dad says "I give up", and you win.
• The game ends in a draw, so nobody wins and you play again.

Any time and any place counts, from the kitchen table to a vacation or a rainy day.

Coach's tips

• Play often, because each game teaches you something new.
• Keep your own pieces safe, and take any of their pieces that nobody guards.
• Watch how Mom or Dad beats you, and then use their trick on them in the next game.
• When you lose a game, ask for a rematch.

Champions started at home too

Magnus Carlsen learned chess from his dad when he was five. At first he did not care much about it, but then he wanted to beat his big sister. So he began to study chess for real, and later he became world champion. Viswanathan Anand learned chess from his mom when he was six, and he became world champion five times.

How you get the sticker

Mom or Dad lost the game, so they know you really won. Their word is all the proof you need. They can tell your coach, or they can hand you the sticker themselves. If you live with a grandparent or another grown-up, beating them counts too. In the printed passport, this sticker has two twins: Beat Mom! and Beat Dad! Your passport has room for one of them. If you beat both, pick the one you like best. Did you beat them before you had the passport? It still counts.