Checkers is a popular game for good reason. Its simplicity makes it easy for children to learn the game and its attention to strategy makes it an engaging game. But there are other good reasons why children would benefit from playing checkers which I will discuss in this article.
#1: Checkers teaches children to be patient
If you’ve played checkers a lot, you may be the type of player who tends to move pieces quickly. Since checkers is not as strategy-oriented as chess and non-king pieces can only move in one of two places, players tend to make their moves rather quickly. This can be costly as the game progresses because the player may not realize that he is placing his pieces in a position where they can be captured.
Checkers is a great way for kids to realize that they have to be patient with every move they make. While making a move shouldn’t take as long as it does in chess, it’s important for children to learn not to be hasty when making moves. Even when your pieces become kings, it is important that they understand that they must be careful with every move they make. When a reckless opponent plays an opponent who is careful with his moves, the reckless opponent often loses.
#2: Checkers also teach kids the importance of piecework teamwork
Piece teaming in the context of this article means that one piece moves right behind the other so that the opposing piece cannot jump it. It’s often a good idea to have one piece right behind the other, especially when you get to your opponent’s side of the board, as it will allow you to use the corners more effectively.
It is important for children to learn that each piece works as part of a team. If you expose each of the pieces individually, they can end up being captured all one by one. If they go in a group, it could help the player get to the top of their opponent’s lane. Of course, the player must be careful not to place his pieces in a position where they could be double-jumped. But if the pieces go together as a team, the chances of the player making it to the top are very good.
