Chess vs Go for Kids: Which Should They Start With?
Last updated: October 2026
Neither chess nor Go is the "right" first game for every child. Chess has more rules to learn at the start but a clear goal (checkmate), while Go has very few rules but a more open-ended aim (surrounding territory). The most useful starting point is simply the game your child is curious about.
What is the difference between chess and Go?
Chess is a game of moving pieces to trap the opponent's king; Go is a game of placing stones to surround territory. Both are two-player strategy games with no dice or luck, but they feel quite different to play.
In chess, each player starts with 16 pieces on an 8×8 board. There are six kinds of pieces, each moving in its own way, and the game is won by checkmating the opponent's king. Pieces move around the board and can be captured and removed.
In Go (called Weiqi in Chinese), players take turns placing black or white stones on the intersections of a grid. The full board is 19×19, and beginners usually start on a smaller 9×9 or 13×13 board. Once placed, a stone does not move. A stone or group of stones is captured when it is completely surrounded, and at the end of the game the player who controls more of the board wins.
Go originated in ancient China and chess developed over many centuries across Asia and Europe, so both games have a long history and large playing communities today.
Which is easier for a young child to start?
Go usually has fewer rules to learn on day one, while chess gives a young child more concrete, visual goals. Which feels "easier" depends on the child.
Some things parents often notice:
Number of rules. Go's basic rules can be explained in a few minutes: place a stone, and a surrounded group is captured. Chess needs six different piece moves, plus special rules such as castling and pawn promotion.
Clarity of the goal. In chess, "catch the king" is easy for a young child to picture. In Go, working out who controls more territory takes a little longer to understand.
Small boards help in Go. A 9×9 Go board keeps games short and easy to follow, which suits beginners.
Character and story help in chess. Young children often enjoy the personalities of the pieces. Trainstein's New to Chess class is designed for ages 4.5–6.5 and uses cartoons, animation and games, with the aim of building interest rather than winning.
If your child is drawn to one game — perhaps a grandparent plays Go, or a friend plays chess at school — that interest is usually a more reliable guide than any general rule.
Can a child learn both?
Yes. Plenty of children enjoy more than one board game. The games use different rules, so there is little confusion between them.
A practical approach is to start with one game until your child can play full games comfortably, then add the second. Some families also try both through a holiday camp first: Trainstein's Chess + Braincraft holiday camp option includes Go and Rubik's Cube alongside chess and other board games, which lets a child sample Go before committing to a term of classes.
If your child does both, keep practice short and enjoyable. For chess, our general guide is 2–3 times a week for 20–30 minutes, and the same relaxed rhythm works well for any new game.
How do the two games compare?
The table below gives a general, side-by-side view. It describes the games themselves, not which is better.
Feature | Chess | Go (Weiqi) |
Board | 8×8 squares | 19×19 grid; 9×9 or 13×13 for beginners |
Pieces | 16 per player, six types | Black and white stones, all the same |
How pieces are used | Pieces move and capture | Stones are placed and do not move |
Aim | Checkmate the opponent's king | Surround more territory than the opponent |
Rules to learn at the start | More (six piece moves plus special rules) | Fewer (placing and capturing) |
Typical game length | Varies; short for beginners, longer in serious play | Short on a small board, longer on the full board |
Origin | Developed over centuries across Asia and Europe | Ancient China |
What should I look for in a first class?
Look for small groups, a coach with real playing experience, and plenty of time to actually play. Whichever game your child starts with, the first few weeks should be enjoyable.
Playing time. Children learn by playing, so a class should include games, not only instruction.
Grouping by level. A beginner should be with other beginners.
Patient feedback. Losing is part of learning, so a good coach helps children see losses as practice.
A trial option. A single trial class lets your child see whether they enjoy it before a full term.
Where can my child learn Go or chess in Chatswood?
Trainstein Chess College in Chatswood teaches both games. Go (Weiqi) classes are led by head Go coach Tom Chen, a former Australian National Go Champion and 5× national representative. Chess classes run for ages 4.5 to 17 across six levels.
Option at Trainstein | Details |
Chess classes | Ages 4.5 to 17; six levels from New to Chess to JCL Training; 4–8 students per in-person class |
Chess trial class | $50 weekend / $60 weekday (in person); $38–$56 online |
Go (Weiqi) classes | Head Go coach Tom Chen, former Australian National Go Champion |
Holiday camp | Chess + Braincraft option includes Go and Rubik's Cube; from $119/day (3+ days price) |
For current Go class days, ages and fees, please call 0415 228 088 or email trainsteinchess@gmail.com. You can read more about our coaches on the our team page, see our chess classes, or check the holiday program.
Frequently asked questions
Is chess or Go better for kids? Neither game is better for every child. Chess has more rules at the start and a clear goal, while Go has fewer rules and a more open-ended aim, so the game your child is curious about is usually the right place to start.
What size Go board should a beginner use? Beginners usually start on a 9×9 or 13×13 board before moving to the full 19×19 board.
Can my child learn chess and Go at the same time? Yes, although a simple approach is to start with one game until your child can play full games comfortably, then add the second.
Who teaches Go at Trainstein? Go (Weiqi) classes are led by head Go coach Tom Chen, a former Australian National Go Champion and 5× national representative.
How can my child try Go before enrolling? The Chess + Braincraft holiday camp option includes Go, or you can call 0415 228 088 or email trainsteinchess@gmail.com to ask about current Go classes.
Next step
If you are deciding between chess and Go, or would like to ask about Go class times, call 0415 228 088, email trainsteinchess@gmail.com, or visit our contact page. We are at Level 1, 308 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood NSW 2067.
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