MOST people dismiss chess as nerdy or too complicated to enjoy, but these pint-sized players know better.Fresh from playing at the state championships on Monday, Warrnambool East Primary School pupils will be showing their moves at the Warrnambool show this weekend.Chaplain at Warrnambool and Warrnambool East primary schools, Janet Ferguson said she taught the game to children at both schools as a way of building a range of skills, encouraging communication and having fun.She said unlike adults who often had preconceptions about chess, most children enjoyed the game."If you teach it clearly, the basic rules can be taught in a few minutes," she said. "Anyone can learn and play basic chess. "It's not complex to learn the moves, it's complex to learn the tricks and you don't need them just to play for enjoyment."Mrs Ferguson said learning and playing chess had helped improved the children’s confidence, lateral thinking, communication and maths skills.“It helps children to build confidence, it’s great fun and a game that’s lasted the test of time,” she said.Pupils from Warrnambool East Primary School will be at the Warrnambool show today and tomorrow demonstrating how to play using a giant chess board and pieces and there will be chance for showgoers to have a go on smaller boards.Pupils Jai Timmer and Riley McDonald will also play off in a demonstration match.
