Smart Moves Beginner Chess Class
Room 116, Sonoma Community Center, 276 East Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476
This class combines on-screen instruction with hands-on practice using real chess boards, creating a stimulating and approachable learning experience for beginners. Children will learn through interactive lessons, puzzles, mini-games, guided practice, and friendly beginner competitions. Rather than relying on memorization, the class emphasizes learning by doing, helping students feel comfortable, capable, and excited to participate.
Students will be introduced to important beginner concepts such as developing opportunities and recognizing threats, protecting their pieces, controlling key squares, and thinking ahead before making a move. Activities may include pawn battles, tactical puzzles, team challenges, “find the best move” exercises, and mini tournaments that keep learning engaging and fun. These focused activities make beginner concepts easier to understand and practice before students apply them in full games.
By the end of the class, students will be able to play complete games with growing confidence, recognize basic tactics and checkmate patterns, and build a strong foundation for continued growth and enjoyment of chess.
No prior chess experience is expected or needed.
Safety Information
- Staff is First Aid Certified
- Employee Background Checks
- Carries Liability Insurance
This information is provided by the organization and has not been independently verified by Enrichment.kids.
Policies
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 business days notice, we will not be able to provide a full refund. A flat cancellation fee of $15 will be charged to cover the transaction fee.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. Enrichment.kids platform and credit card payment processing fees are non-refundable, the Sonoma Community Center does not hold these funds. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year. As a reminder, if you do not feel well please stay home for the class or session. If you would like a refund, please contact: [email protected]
Location
Sonoma Community Center
We envision a campus where people of all ages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, language backgrounds, artistic talents, income levels, interests, and more feel not just welcome, but at home. A place where everyone finds something to suit their needs.