Did you know that three of the greatest chess players in history were raised under the same roof?
László Polgár, a Hungarian educational psychologist, believed that “geniuses are made, not born,” and set out to prove it by teaching his three daughters chess from a very young age.
His unique approach turned his daughters—Susan, Sofia, and Judit Polgár—into chess prodigies, with Judit eventually becoming the greatest female chess player of all time.
But how did he do it?
And how can parents apply some of his methods to teach their own kids chess?
Who is László Polgár?
László Polgár is a Hungarian chess teacher and psychologist known for his unconventional approach to education. In the 1970s, he wrote a book titled “Bring Up Genius!” in which he proposed that any child could achieve exceptional results in any field with the right training and environment. To prove his theory, he chose chess as the medium and decided to train his own children to become chess champions.
All three of Polgár’s daughters became grandmasters, a remarkable achievement that has fascinated educators and psychologists around the world. Judit Polgár, the youngest, became the highest-rated female player in history, reaching a peak rating of 2735 and ranking in the top 10 players in the world. She is widely considered the greatest female chess player of all time.
Key Takeaways from the Polgár Method
So, what can parents learn from László Polgár’s method of teaching chess? Here are some key takeaways that might inspire you to teach your kids chess the Polgár way.
1. Start Early and Make It Fun
László Polgár began teaching his daughters chess as early as age three. However, he didn’t focus solely on formal lessons; instead, he made learning chess a fun and engaging experience. The girls played chess with each other, attended chess camps, and participated in chess tournaments. They were surrounded by a positive and encouraging environment that fostered a love for the game.
Takeaway for Parents: Start early, but remember to make it fun. Use games, puzzles, and creative storytelling to introduce your child to the basics of chess. Encourage them to play regularly, and celebrate their progress to keep them motivated.
For more tips on making chess fun for kids, check out this Parents.com article.
2. Focus on Building a Strong Foundation
Polgár emphasized mastering the fundamentals of chess. He taught his daughters the importance of piece development, control of the center, and king safety before moving on to more advanced concepts. This strong foundation allowed them to develop a deeper understanding of the game as they grew older.
Takeaway for Parents: When teaching your child chess, focus on building a solid foundation. Ensure they understand the basic principles, such as how each piece moves, opening strategies, and key endgame techniques. Avoid overwhelming them with too many advanced concepts too quickly.
You can find a great beginner’s guide to chess principles on ChessKid.com, a safe and educational platform designed specifically for children.
3. Encourage a Growth Mindset
One of the most notable aspects of Polgár’s teaching method was his emphasis on a growth mindset. He taught his daughters that mistakes were an essential part of learning and that effort and persistence were more important than innate talent. This mindset helped them overcome setbacks and continuously improve their skills.
Takeaway for Parents: Encourage your child to adopt a growth mindset by praising their effort and determination, rather than just their results. When they make mistakes, help them see it as an opportunity to learn rather than a failure. This approach will build resilience and confidence, both on and off the chessboard.
For more on fostering a growth mindset in children, read this Mindset Works article on the science behind growth mindset.
4. Create a Supportive Environment
The Polgár family’s home was filled with chess books, boards, and learning materials, creating an environment that was both stimulating and supportive. Polgár also invited other strong players to their home, providing his daughters with opportunities to learn from a wide range of opponents.
Takeaway for Parents: Create a supportive environment for learning chess at home. Surround your child with resources like chess books, educational videos, and interactive games. Encourage them to play with friends and family, and consider joining a local chess club or enrolling them in online classes.
You can find local chess clubs and resources through the US Chess Federation's club locator.
5. Balance Chess with Other Interests
Despite their intense chess training, the Polgár sisters were not solely focused on chess. They also studied languages, literature, music, and other subjects, leading to a well-rounded education. This balance helped prevent burnout and kept them motivated to continue playing chess.
Takeaway for Parents: While it’s important to practice regularly, ensure that chess is not the only focus of your child’s time. Encourage them to pursue other interests and activities, such as sports, music, or art, to maintain a healthy balance and prevent burnout.
The Polgár Legacy and Your Child’s Chess Journey
The story of László Polgár and his daughters is a powerful testament to what is possible when parents commit to nurturing their child’s potential. By starting early, building a solid foundation, fostering a growth mindset, creating a supportive environment, and maintaining a balanced approach, you can help your child develop a lifelong love for chess and the many benefits that come with it.
If you’re inspired by the Polgár method and want to learn more, check out Judit Polgár’s book, “Chess Playbook for Kids,” which offers great insights and fun exercises designed for young players.