Let me introduce Alex’s story, an extraordinary 4-year-and-10-month-old student, who shows us that it is never too early to start playing chess. I often hear skeptical opinions from parents about their 5-6-year-old children’s ability to pay attention and play chess online. Children can start playing chess from a very young age.
Alex began learning chess at just 4 and a half years old, passively, sitting behind his older brother during chess lessons. At 4 years and 9 months, he enrolled in the Sep7Ro course. Since then, his progress has been remarkable! After just one month, at 4 years and 10 months, Alex plays almost daily and consistently wins at level 2 on Lichess.
The attached photos show Alex’s account history from the past week. He won over 30 games at level 2. The few draws shown in the photos are, in fact, victories that weren’t fully realized due to his very young age.
Alex doesn’t have superpowers
Alex doesn’t have superpowers. His success is mainly due to the trust his parents have in him and in his teacher. Making online chess games accessible also helps significantly.
I had the pleasure of meeting Alex at a student gathering in Cluj-Napoca two months ago. He and his brother traveled a long distance to meet us.
Currently, Alex attends a mixed English-Romanian class, alongside children from the UK and Ireland. Once again, Alex proves that age is no obstacle when it comes to learning.
Alex is an example every parent should know. Look at the success he has achieved—not just in chess—showing what “too young” children can accomplish with a little trust and support from their parents! Children can start playing chess at a very young age.
I encourage parents to start early, offering their children new horizons and learning opportunities. There is no such thing as too early, but there is such a thing as too late.
Follow Alex’s example, and you’ll be surprised by the results!