You are here: Home > Parents & Educators > Select an Electronic Chess Set for Your Child

Select an electronic chess set for your child

Electronic chess sets know the chess rules and some are even able to teach chess with up to 20 hours of voice lessons! Turn your child loose with a fun, educational chess computer, and you've suddenly got a lot more time on your hands.

Some parents just can't keep up with their kids at chess, so having a computer that can challenge again and again, while giving hints and tips, is a smart way to give your child someone to play.

Some chess computers are more suitable for youngsters than others, and some are good for travel, home use, or teaching.

Each chess computer is on display in our showroom for hands on testing and familiarity with the product we offer. This allows us to recommend and suit products just right for you.

Tips for selecting your chess computer
  • Don't rely on the computer to teach. It's better for practice
  • A higher level computer can always be made to play easier, but not vice versa.
  • Choose a “STANDARD” computer for use at home
  • Choose an “LCD/HANDHELD” for home or travel
  • ALL computers let you
    • set up positions
    • control sound on/off

Compare these kid-friendly choices

 STANDARD Mephisto Talking
Chess Academy
 Mephisto Chess
Trainer
 Ivan II
 Alexandra Excalibur Phantom Force
 Key Benefit
 Extensive Training,
64 LED move display
 Simple, basic trainer,
inexpensive
Fun, voice, some
training, full board
LCD display
 For girls, Fun
voice, some
training, full board LC display
 Totally unique / self-moving pieces
 Key Shortfall
 Voice not as clear as
Paul Harvey
 Not many features
   turtle in January
 For Ages
 8+ 4-15 5-15 5-15 8+
 Tutorials Y Y - - 
 Tips/Hints Y Y Y Y Y
 Power 4AA / AC
 - - - 
 Voice Lessons
 Y - - - -
 Talks Y-  Y Y Y
 Moves its own pieces
 - - - - Y

 LCD/Handheld
 New York Times Deluxe Talking
Touch Chess
 Mephisto Maestro
 LCD Chess
Key Benefits Touch screen, Easy-to-Read
pieces
Touch screen, Compact, backlit  Very low cost
 Key Shortfall
Size Need decent vision  Cursor move input
 For Ages
7+ 7+ 5+ 
Tips/Hints - - - 
 TalksY -  -
Backlight  YY  -
Touch Screen Y Y  
(Your shopping cart is empty)