

You’ll be amazed when you learn how chess has evolved from humble beginnings into the sport it is today. Although you don’t need to become an expert on chess origins, you should take some time to familiarize yourself with the game’s rich history. Explain why it is considered a game of planning and strategy.Ĭhess is arguably the most popular strategy game of all time. Have each competitor play at least two games.ġ) Discuss with your merit badge counselor the history of the game of chess.
Chess tactics worksheets plus#
Organize and run a chess tournament with at least four players, plus you.

Discuss with your counselor how you might have played each game differently.Ħc. Play in a scholastic (youth) chess tournament and use your score sheets from that tournament to replay your games with your merit badge counselor. Replay the games from your score sheets and discuss with your counselor how you might have played each game differently.Ħb. Play at least three games of chess with other Scouts and/or your merit badge counselor. Set up and solve five direct-mate problems provided by your merit badge counselor.Ħa.
Chess tactics worksheets how to#
Set up a chessboard with the white king on e1, the white rooks on a1 and h1, and the black king on e5. With White to move first, demonstrate how to force checkmate on the black king.ĥd. Explain any five of these chess tactics: clearance sacrifice, decoy, discovered attack, double attack, fork, interposing, overloading, overprotecting, pin, remove the defender, skewer, zwischenzug.ĥc. Explain four of the following elements of chess strategy: exploiting weaknesses, force, king safety, pawn structure, space, tempo, time.ĥb. Demonstrate on a chessboard four ways a chess game can end in a draw.ĥa. On a chessboard, demonstrate a “scholar’s mate” and a “fool’s mate.”Ĥf. Discuss the differences between the opening, the middle game, and the endgame.Ĥe. Demonstrate scorekeeping using the algebraic system of chess notation.Ĥb. How each chess piece moves, including castling and en passant capturesĤa. Then, using Scouting’s Teaching EDGE, teach someone (preferably another Scout) who does not know how to play chess:ģc.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through each of the requirements, and help you to earn your very own Chess merit badge.

Remember though, chess should be fun! Take your time learning, and you might just make a lifetime hobby of this strategic game.Įnough said! First, closely read through each of the requirements below so you know what you’ll need to do. While you don’t need to be Magnus Carlsen (argued to be the greatest chess player in history) to complete the chess merit badge, you’ll need to develop a deeper understanding of chess than the average recreational player. Answer these questions in your own words, do further research, and I promise you’ll gain much more from every merit badge you earn! In school, we’re taught not to plagiarize, and the same is true for Scouting worksheets. I’m certain this resource will be helpful to scouts on their road to Eagle!Īlso, remember that ScoutSmarts should just serve as your starting point for merit badge research. There, you’ll also find the links to my other merit badge guides, as well as a description and summary of each badge’s requirements. If you have Eagle-required merit badges to earn, you also should check out my Difficulty Ranking Guide to Every Eagle-required Badge. Additionally, you’ll also need to teach these skills to others, and even organize some chess matches on your own. To complete the Chess merit badge, scouts must develop a firm understanding of the history, rules, and strategies associated with the game of chess. If you’re a scout who’s good at strategy games, or if you’ve had some experience playing chess, the Chess merit badge will provide a fun way to develop critical thinking skills and earn an elective badge! While I didn’t have time to earn the Chess merit badge when I was a Scout, today I’m a huge fan of chess and would love to help you master this awesome game.
