How to Practise Chess at Home: A Weekly Plan
Last updated: October 2026
For most children, practising chess 2–3 times a week for 20–30 minutes each time is enough to keep improving between lessons. A good session mixes a few puzzles, one or two games and a quick look back at the week's class notes. Short and regular works better than long and occasional.
How often should my child practise chess?
Two to three times a week, for 20 to 30 minutes each time, is a sensible routine for most children. That is enough to keep new ideas fresh without chess becoming a chore.
Regular short sessions suit children because they can concentrate fully for the whole time. A single two-hour session on a Sunday is harder to sustain, and much of it tends to become fast games played without much thought. If your child wants to play more because they are enjoying it, that is fine — the 2–3 sessions are a base, not a limit.
What does a good 20–30 minute session look like?
A good session has three parts: a warm-up with puzzles, some real play, and a short review. Each part does a different job.
Puzzles (5–10 minutes). Tactics puzzles train children to spot captures, checks and threats quickly.
Play (10–15 minutes). One or two games against a family member, a friend or a suitable online opponent. Slower games teach more than very fast ones.
Review (5 minutes). Look at the week's class notes, or go back over one moment from the game: "Where did you lose a piece?" or "Which move are you proudest of?"
For younger beginners, 20 minutes is plenty. Older and stronger players can stretch to 30 minutes and spend more of it on review.
What could a weekly plan look like?
The plan below is a sample, not a rule. Adjust it to your child's level, school load and energy.
Level | Session 1 | Session 2 | Session 3 (optional) |
Beginner | 20 min: a few simple puzzles, then one game on ChessKid or ChessWorld | 20 min: go through the class notes together, then a family game on a real board | 20 min: more puzzles or a slow game |
Intermediate | 25 min: tactics puzzles, then one game on Chess.com | 25 min: review the class notes and replay one of your own games | 25 min: play in an online practice tournament |
Advanced | 30 min: harder puzzles, then one longer game | 30 min: analyse one of your recent games, ideally with a coach | 30 min: practice tournament, then a quick review of the games |
For Trainstein students, parts of this week are already built into the term fee:
Friday: 30 tactics puzzles arrive by email every week — enough to cover several sessions.
Friday and Saturday, 7–8 pm: two online practice tournaments a week on Chess.com.
Friday, 8:05–8:45 pm: a weekly online game-analysis session, where students can review games with a coach.
Every lesson: weekly class notes to go back over at home.
Which apps and sites should we use?
Match the platform to your child's level. ChessKid or ChessWorld suit beginners, and Chess.com suits intermediate players and above.
Level | Suggested platform | Why |
Beginner | ChessKid or ChessWorld | Our suggestion for children still learning the basics |
Intermediate and above | A wider range of opponents, puzzles and game-review tools |
Whatever the platform, set it up together, check the privacy and chat settings, and agree beforehand how long each session will be. Enrolled Trainstein students also receive discounted memberships for Chess.com, ChessKid and Chessmatec; see our free value-added benefits page for details.
How can parents help without pushing?
Be interested, not in charge. Your encouragement matters more than any single result, and children who enjoy chess practise more on their own.
Practical ways to help:
Keep it short and regular. Put the 2–3 sessions in the weekly routine, like reading.
Ask your child to teach you. Getting them to explain the week's class notes is a gentle memory check. If you do not play, adults can learn the rules in 10–20 minutes.
Praise effort and good moves, not just wins.
Treat losses as normal. Losing is part of learning. Ask "What would you try next time?" rather than listing mistakes.
Play for fun sometimes. A relaxed family game on a real board keeps chess enjoyable.
Know when to stop. If a session turns into tears or frustration, end it on a positive note and try again another day.
What about the school holidays?
Keep a lighter version of the routine going over the holidays. One or two short sessions a week is enough to keep ideas fresh, and holidays are a good time for a relaxed game with relatives or friends.
Holidays are also a chance to do things there is no time for during term: replaying a few of your child's own games, trying a new kind of puzzle, or setting up a small family tournament at home. Aim to finish the break still enjoying chess, rather than trying to cover as much as possible.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a home chess session be? About 20–30 minutes. Younger beginners can stop at 20 minutes; older and stronger players can use the full 30.
How many times a week should my child practise? Two to three times a week is a good routine for most children.
Should my child use ChessKid or Chess.com? ChessKid or ChessWorld suit beginners. Chess.com suits intermediate players and above.
What practice is included for Trainstein students? The term fee includes weekly class notes, 30 tactics puzzles emailed every Friday, two online practice tournaments a week on Chess.com (Friday and Saturday, 7–8 pm) and a weekly online game-analysis session (Friday, 8:05–8:45 pm).
What if my child does not want to practise? Keep sessions short, let them choose between puzzles and a game, and praise effort. Encouragement works better than pressure.
Next step
If you would like help choosing a class level or a home routine for your child, call 0415 228 088, email trainsteinchess@gmail.com, or visit our contact page. You can also see our in-person chess classes and online lessons.
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