How do you encourage juniors to play slower?

Question

Question to chess coaches: the common problem with beginning juniors (ages 5-8 years old) is very fast playing. What are your methods to convince/encourage your pupils to play slower chess?

Answer 1

Be careful what you wish for - right now they are playing & having fun. Slowing down, thinking, calculating, being precise - that may actually deter them from the game.

Later, once they're teenagers, they might come to you and ask how to slow down!

If you insist, though, then I recommend gradually introducing thinking patterns. i.e. Before making a move:

• Check all checks.

Then once they've got used to that, introduce another pattern:

• Does this move give my opponent any checks?

Gradual increments like that will likely be successful, without over-stressing a young and fun-centric mind.

Answer 2

I am a fast player because I started to like playing bullet and ultra bullet when I started learning chess. Doing so can actually be bad for you, as this does not invoke any learning.

It is better to start letting them play slower games, e.g. 10 minutes. This will make them play slowly and learn which moves are best and evaluate the position. This s essential when players are still beginners or intermediate players

I, however, am not a coach, just your neighborhood friendly chess player. My advice may be biased, contradictory, or wrong, but I hope it helps you out.