CHESS MONKEYS

For teachers and coaches

The variation tree

20 minutes · from Level 3 only · investigate together, no contest

What the children learna solution move is checked against several replies by the opponent. All the results together make the complete solution.

What you needa small position from the workbook in which the opponent has two good replies to the solution move (reply a and reply b). One board per pair. On your Planning sheet are the solution with both replies, and briefly why other replies do not help.

How it goes

  1. Show the exercise; the pairs set it up. Collect suggestions, then show the solution move.3 minutes
  2. Share out the replies: at each table one pair checks reply a, the other reply b. If three pairs sit at the table, the third pair also checks reply a.1 minute
  3. Check on the board: one child plays the attacker, the other the defender; after three minutes they swap. Each pair writes down what happens.6 minutes
  4. Bring it together: one pair shows reply a at the front, another shows reply b. Others add to it.5 minutes
  5. Ask: “Does the opponent have another good reply?” Add what you prepared.3 minutes
  6. Each pair explains its reply to the other pairs at the table.2 minutes

Tip

do not invent extra replies just because there are many pairs. If a pair reports that the move does not work against their reply, check it at the front at once. The mistake is usually in the moves after that.

Odd numbers

one pair works as three (see How every exercise runs).

In a large class

several pairs check the same reply. At the front, one pair reports per reply.