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Count and Count Some More With Chess

Count and Count Some More With Chess
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Use a chessboard and pieces to practice counting, addition, subtraction, skip-counting, and grouping by arranging pieces and solving simple board-based number challenges.

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Step-by-step guide to Count and Count Some More With Chess

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Learn to Count & Write Numbers in a Game! *Grammar for Kids*

What you need
Chess pieces, chessboard, paper, pencil

Step 1

Place the chessboard on a flat table.

Step 2

Put the chess pieces beside the board.

Step 3

Choose one square or one rank to use for the first challenge.

Step 4

Place exactly 7 pawns on that chosen rank.

Step 5

Add 3 more pawns onto the same rank.

Step 6

Remove 4 pawns from that rank and set them aside.

Step 7

Arrange pawns so there are exactly 2 pawns in each of four files for skip-counting.

Step 8

Make groups of 3 pieces on different squares until you cannot make another full group.

Step 9

Count the pawns on the original rank out loud while touching each pawn.

Step 10

Count the skip-counting setup by touching pairs and saying the twos out loud.

Step 11

Count how many full groups of 3 you made out loud while pointing at each group.

Step 12

Write the three numbers you just said on your paper.

Step 13

Create your own number challenge on the board using pieces.

Step 14

Solve your new challenge by moving pieces to show the answer.

Step 15

Share your finished creation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a chessboard or pawns?

If you don't have a chessboard or pawns, tape or draw an 8x8 grid on cardboard or paper to 'Place the chessboard on a flat table' and use coins, buttons, LEGO studs, or small toys placed 'beside the board' as pawns.

I'm stuck trying to arrange exactly 2 pawns in each of four files for skip-counting—any tips?

If 'Arrange pawns so there are exactly 2 pawns in each of four files for skip-counting' is tricky, mark the four files with tape or sticky notes and place two contrasting coins or colored pieces in each marked file so you can touch and count them without losing track.

How can I change the activity for younger or older kids?

For younger children, reduce the numbers by starting with 3 pawns instead of 'exactly 7 pawns' and make groups of 2 while counting slowly, and for older kids increase to 10–12 pawns, make groups of 4 or 5, and turn step 'Write the three numbers you just said on your paper' into equations to solve.

How can we make the activity more fun or shareable?

To extend the project, personalize pieces with stickers, time how fast you 'Count the pawns on the original rank out loud while touching each pawn', create a themed 'Create your own number challenge on the board using pieces', photograph or record your solution, and then 'Share your finished creation on DIY.org'.

Watch videos on how to Count and Count Some More With Chess

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CBeebies Grown-ups: Help Your Child Learn To Count And Recognise Numbers

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Facts about teaching math using chess

♟️ A standard chessboard has 64 squares — use them to count, group, and make patterns up to 64!

🔢 Each player begins with 16 pieces, so two players together have 32 pieces to add, subtract, or split into groups.

🧮 Pawns can move one square (or two on their first move), a simple rule that kids can use to practice skip-counting and step-addition.

🌾 The famous "wheat and chessboard" story shows exponential growth: doubling grains on each square quickly reaches more than 18 quintillion.

📐 You can divide the board into four 4×4 quadrants (16 squares each) to teach multiplication, area, and grouping visually.

How do you play Count and Count Some More With Chess?

To play Count and Count Some More With Chess, place the board on a flat surface and spread the pieces. Ask the child to count pieces by type or color, then build simple addition problems by grouping pieces together (for example, 3 knights + 2 pawns). For subtraction, remove pieces and ask how many remain. Use rows/columns for skip-counting and create challenge cards with prompts for the child to solve on the board, explaining answers aloud.

What materials do I need for Count and Count Some More With Chess?

You need a standard chessboard and a set of chess pieces. Optional items: extra counters or coins for grouping, index cards or printable challenge prompts, a dry-erase board and marker for working out sums, a small timer for timed rounds, and stickers or colored tape to mark rows. For younger children, use larger pieces or chunky counters to reduce choking risk. Most supplies are inexpensive or household items.

What ages is Count and Count Some More With Chess suitable for?

This activity adapts well to ages 4–10+. Ages 4–6 focus on counting, grouping, and one-to-one correspondence with a few pieces. Ages 6–8 add simple addition and subtraction using groups of pieces. Ages 8–10+ practice skip-counting, basic multiplication concepts, and multi-step word problems. Adjust instructions, time, and supervision to match each child’s attention span and fine-motor skills.

What are the benefits, safety tips, and variations for this chess counting activity?

Benefits include improved counting fluency, early addition/subtraction understanding, pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and fine motor control; it also encourages verbal explanation and problem solving. Safety tip: supervise around toddlers and store small pieces out of reach to prevent choking. Variations: use coins, buttons, or colored beads if no chess set; create story-based word problems; or add a timer for speed practice. Change piece numbers or grouping rules to adjust difficulty.
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