Count and Count Some More With Chess
Use a chessboard and pieces to practice counting, addition, subtraction, skip-counting, and grouping by arranging pieces and solving simple board-based number challenges.
About this activity
Use a chessboard and pieces to practice counting, addition, subtraction, skip-counting, and grouping by arranging pieces and solving simple board-based number challenges.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Place the chessboard on a flat table.
- 2
Step 2
Put the chess pieces beside the board.
- 3
Step 3
Choose one square or one rank to use for the first challenge.
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Step 4
Place exactly 7 pawns on that chosen rank.
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Step 5
Add 3 more pawns onto the same rank.
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Step 6
Remove 4 pawns from that rank and set them aside.
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Step 7
Arrange pawns so there are exactly 2 pawns in each of four files for skip-counting.
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Step 8
Make groups of 3 pieces on different squares until you cannot make another full group.
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Step 9
Count the pawns on the original rank out loud while touching each pawn.
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Step 10
Count the skip-counting setup by touching pairs and saying the twos out loud.
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Step 11
Count how many full groups of 3 you made out loud while pointing at each group.
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Step 12
Write the three numbers you just said on your paper.
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Step 13
Create your own number challenge on the board using pieces.
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Step 14
Solve your new challenge by moving pieces to show the answer.
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Step 15
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
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.
Watch & Learn
Need 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'.