About
The Steps Method (Stappenmethode) is a comprehensive, structured chess education system developed by Rob Brunia and Cor van Wijgerden, originally in the Netherlands. Designed primarily for children, it breaks down chess learning into six progressive steps, each accompanied by a dedicated manual for trainers or parents and workbooks for students to work through independently. The full course spans 32 books — 6 instructor manuals and 26 student workbooks — all translated into English, and many available in Dutch, German, French, Georgian, Greek, Swedish, Turkish, Azerbaijani, Czech, Spanish, Korean, Romanian, and Danish. This multilingual availability has helped the method gain traction in chess clubs and schools across Europe (Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, UK) and internationally (US, Australia, Hong Kong, South Africa). The website features weekly chess puzzles drawn from various steps (including advanced steps 7 and 8), allowing students and trainers to practice regularly. Trainers can download answer keys for the latest workbook editions, and sample pages of manuals and workbooks are freely available for preview. The method provides a measurable, level-based approach to chess education, making it ideal for chess coaches, school instructors, club trainers, and parents looking to introduce children to chess in a systematic way.
Key Features
- 6-Step Progressive Curriculum: A structured learning path broken into six steps, each building on the previous with dedicated manuals for trainers and workbooks for students.
- 32-Book Library: Includes 6 instructor manuals and 26 student workbooks, all translated into English and available in 13+ languages.
- Weekly Chess Puzzles: New puzzles are published almost every week from various steps (including advanced steps 7 and 8) for ongoing practice.
- Trainer Resource Downloads: Chess trainers can download answer keys for the latest editions of workbooks, and free sample pages are available for preview.
- Global Multilingual Reach: Used in chess clubs and schools across Europe, the US, Australia, Hong Kong, and South Africa, available in 14 languages.
Use Cases
- Chess clubs using the structured curriculum to run beginner-to-advanced lessons for junior members.
- Schools integrating the Steps Method into after-school or extracurricular chess programs for children.
- Parents using the first-step manuals and workbooks to teach their children chess at home.
- Chess trainers and coaches using the trainer manuals to prepare structured, progressive lesson plans.
- International organizations and clubs translating and adopting the method to teach chess in their native language.
Pros
- Proven Worldwide Methodology: Adopted by a large number of schools and chess clubs internationally, with decades of successful use backing its effectiveness.
- Comprehensive Multilingual Materials: Books available in 14 languages make the method accessible to a broad international audience of students and trainers.
- Free Weekly Practice Puzzles: Regular free puzzles on the website let students and trainers practice without needing to purchase additional materials.
Cons
- Physical Book Purchase Required: The full curriculum requires purchasing printed manuals and workbooks, which may add cost for schools or clubs with limited budgets.
- Limited Digital Interactivity: The platform is primarily book-based with limited interactive online features beyond weekly puzzles and downloadable samples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Steps Method designed for?
The Steps Method is designed primarily for children learning chess, and is used by chess clubs, schools, trainers, and parents. The first steps are also suitable for parents teaching their children at home.
How many books are in the full Steps Method course?
The full course consists of 32 books: 6 manuals for chess teachers/trainers and 26 workbooks for students to use independently.
What languages are the books available in?
All 32 books have been translated into English. Many are also available in Dutch, German, French, Georgian, Greek, Swedish, Turkish, Azerbaijani, Czech, Spanish, Korean, Romanian, and Danish.
Are there free resources available on the website?
Yes. The website publishes new chess puzzles almost every week from different steps. Trainers can also download answer keys and sample pages of manuals and workbooks for free.
How do I know which step level is right for a student?
You can gauge a student's level by having them solve 12 puzzles from a page of a workbook. The website also offers sample downloads to help assess the appropriate starting step.
