Chess · Step 3 of 4
Tactics Lab
Grades 3–5 (ages 8–11) · 8 weekly classes · 60 min · up to 8 students · live online
Chess becomes a pattern hunt. Students learn the ideas that win games — forks, pins, skewers and discovered attacks — plus the essential checkmates. Each idea is shown whole, practiced with a twist, then finished on their own, so it sticks. Sound opening habits keep their pieces safe while they look for chances.
Your child will be able to
- Find forks, pins, skewers and discovered attacks in puzzles and in their own games
- Count attackers and defenders before every capture
- Start every game with center control, development and castling
How each class runs
1 · See it whole
A short lesson shows the pattern from start to finish.
2 · Add a twist
The same idea with one obstacle added, solved together.
3 · Finish it
Students complete new positions on their own.
4 · Play
Real games, looking for the pattern of the day.
Week by week
- Week 1The fork: one piece, two targets
- Week 2Pins: pieces that can't move safely
- Week 3Skewers: winning the piece behind
- Week 4Discovered attacks and discovered checks
- Week 5Counting attackers and defenders
- Week 6Removing the defender
- Week 7Mate-in-two patterns
- Week 8Tactics in real games: a class tournament
Where this step fits
BEFORE THIS · STEP 2Chess FoundationsFull rules, piece values, first checkmates and notation.YOU ARE HERE · STEP 3Tactics LabForks, pins, skewers and sound opening habits.
NEXT · STEP 4Strategy & CompetitionPlanning, essential endgames and tournament play.New to chess in Grades 3–5? Say so in the waitlist form and we'll suggest the right starting step. Strong players can be placed straight into this step.
What you need
- A computer or tablet with a camera and microphone
- A quiet spot for the whole class
- A chess set at home helps, but isn't required
Your instructor
Taught live by a Griot instructor trained in the Griot chess method, in a program designed by titled players — Masters and Grandmasters. Your instructor's name appears here once the class is scheduled.
$22 a class
Join the free waitlistBeing planned · free waitlist
School programs are quoted separately. Ask about your school