Waterstones — Chess

We recently enrolled my 9-year-old son in the Waterstones Chess program in Manchester, and overall, it's been a solid experience. The instructor, Mark, is particularly engaging and has a knack for explaining strategies in a way that keeps the kids interested. My son has already learned how to play several new openings, and he loves the small group size as it allows him to get personalized attention. However, I noticed that the program sometimes has long lines during pickup, which can be a bit hectic, especially when the store is bustling. Still, the atmosphere is friendly, and my son has made a good friend in the class. I appreciate that the challenges presented in the games are not overwhelming, and he feels motivated to improve. I would recommend this program, but just be prepared for a bit of a wait during pickup.

We recently enrolled my son in the Waterstones Chess program in Manchester, and overall, we’ve had a good experience. The instructor, Mark, is very engaging and does a great job breaking down the game for the kids. My son, who is 9 and quite focused, has really taken to the strategy involved in chess. He built a solid understanding of basic moves and tactics in just a few sessions. The group size is small, which allows for more individualized attention, something I really appreciate. However, the check-in process can be a bit chaotic, often resulting in long lines that test our patience. If you can get past that small annoyance, I would definitely recommend the program for kids who are interested in chess and want to develop their strategic thinking skills in a fun environment.