oshc activities
International Chess Day / Checkmate Puzzle Hunt

Checkmate Puzzle Hunt

Children search the room for hidden chess puzzle cards, then solve 'checkmate in one move' problems to earn letters for a secret word.

How to run it

  1. Prepare puzzle cards showing simple checkmate-in-one positions, each with a letter on the back.
  2. Hide the cards around the room or playground.
  3. Teams find a card, solve it on a board and show an educator the winning move to earn the letter.
  4. Once all letters are collected, teams unscramble the secret word.

You will need

  • printed puzzle cards
  • chess sets
  • answer sheet
Make it easier or harderFor newer players, use simpler 'which piece can capture?' puzzles; for experienced players, add checkmate-in-two puzzles.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4Children apply logic and persistence, working collaboratively to solve problems.

Fits these theme days

International Chess DayPuzzle DayEscape Room DayTreasure Hunters DayDetective Day

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