Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book1966

81%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

A 1960s 'paper app' that teaches chess tactics through quick-fire puzzles—addictive for some, a bit of a one-trick pony for others.

Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess

book

1966

81%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

A 1960s 'paper app' that teaches chess tactics through quick-fire puzzles—addictive for some, a bit of a one-trick pony for others.

4.6

Jump to

Also rated on

4.6

View →

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

This book is essentially a paper-based app from 1966. It’s surprisingly modern in how it handles 'gamification'—you get a puzzle, you answer, you get immediate feedback.

It’s not a complete chess education, and some serious players think it's too simplistic because it obsesses over one specific type of checkmate. But for a kid who wants to feel 'smart' quickly, it’s gold. It takes the intimidation out of the game and replaces it with a series of small wins.

Just be aware that if your kid gets obsessed and Googles the author, they’re going to find some pretty dark stuff from Fischer’s later years. Keep the focus on the board.

Age Fit

Perfect for kids 7 and up who already know the basic moves. It’s great for anyone—even adults—who wants to stop hanging their pieces and start winning games.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's a quiet, focused, and intellectually stimulating activity. No drama, no violence, just pure logic and sportsmanship.

Imaginative

This is 'programmed instruction.' It’s very rigid—look at a diagram, find the one correct move, turn the page. It builds skill, but it doesn't really encourage creative 'free play' or exploration.

Safe

100

Zero safety concerns. It’s a book from 1966 about chess tactics. No hidden themes or inappropriate content.

Enriching

Excellent for developing spatial reasoning and pattern recognition. It’s basically a gym for the brain's logic centers.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The 'programmed instruction' format is weirdly satisfying—it’s like a physical version of a modern puzzle app.
It focuses heavily on back-rank mates, which gives beginners a massive confidence boost and a 'killer instinct' early on.
No screens required, making it a great travel companion or 'quiet time' activity.
Builds genuine logical stamina; you have to visualize moves in your head before checking the answer.

⚠

What to Watch For

It doesn't teach the basic rules of how pieces move—you need to know that before you start.
The author, Bobby Fischer, became a very controversial and problematic figure later in life, though none of that is in this book.
It’s very narrow; it won't teach your kid how to open a game or manage the middle game, just how to deliver a checkmate.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the book only shows you one right answer instead of letting you explore?"
"If you were playing Bobby Fischer, what's the first thing you'd try to do?"
"Do you find it easier to solve these puzzles on paper than on a screen?"
"Why is the 'back rank' such a dangerous place for a King?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic