Fritz and Chesster facts for kids

Fritz and Chesster (German: Fritz und Fertig) is a fun series of computer games that teach children about chess. In these four games, a boy named Fritz White and his cousin Bianca learn how to play chess. They get help from a clever talking rat named Chesster. The first three games teach different parts of chess. Then, Fritz and Bianca play against King Black. The fourth game takes place on an alien planet. The first game teaches the basic rules of chess, how to checkmate, and simple strategies. Later games teach about opening moves, tactics, middle game plans, and endgames. They also learn different ways to checkmate. Other games in the series include different types of chess puzzles or fast-paced games where you can get high scores.

These games were made in Germany by Terzio and Chessbase between 2003 and 2009. They have been translated into 17 languages, so many kids around the world can play them! Reviewers thought the first two games were very entertaining. There are also chess puzzle books and workbooks with the characters from the games.

How to Play the Games

The Fritz and Chesster games are full of fun challenges and puzzles. Each game helps you learn new chess skills step by step.

Part 1: Learning the Basics

In the first game, Fritz White's parents are away. King Black challenges Fritz to a chess game. You control Fritz as he works with his cousin Bianca and his parents' friend, King Kaleidoscope. They travel through the countryside and play many mini-games. These games show how each chess piece moves. For example, there's a game like Ms. Pac-Man that teaches how the rook moves straight. There's also a sumo wrestling game that teaches about king opposition, which is when two kings face each other.

Fritz and Bianca eventually arrive at a special place called the IntelliGym. Here, they meet Chesster, the talking rat! With Chesster's help, they go through three parts of the gym. Each part has different equipment that teaches a new chess skill. When they reach a new piece of equipment, a short video plays. In the video, Chesster explains the game to Fritz and Bianca. Then, you get to play! Some puzzles are not timed. You just need to finish a certain number to move on. Other games are timed, and you try to get a high score.

The first part of the gym teaches how each chess piece moves. The middle part teaches how to set up the board, how to castle, and what a stalemate is. It also shows how to checkmate with two rooks or one rook. The last part of the gym explains how much each chess piece is worth and other important strategies. After finishing all the exercises, Fritz plays chess against King Black. A TV show plays depending on who wins. You can then play against King Kaleidoscope, King Black, or Chesster. Chesster has different difficulty levels. You can also get hints or switch sides if you are losing.

Part 2: Advanced Moves and Tactics

In the second game, you go to the Pleasantville Village Olympics. Here, you play timed games that teach you about special chess moves. These include the knight fork and the bishop skewer. Fritz and Chesster then fall down a chute into King Black's castle basement. Chesster gets kidnapped! King Black tells them they are trapped. To escape, they use his chess training machines. As they get better, they collect "ELO creatures," which are like skill points. They need enough points for the elevator to let them go up.

On the lower floor, they play a timed game about checking the king. They also play a game about winning pieces in an exchange. They learn the classic rules for starting a chess game. They also learn about discovered check and double check. There's even a game about rat traps, similar to Space Invaders! On the middle and upper floors, they learn about long algebraic notation, which is a way to write down moves. They also learn about important squares for pawn promotion and a rule to see if a pawn can outrun a king. They also learn about deflection, which is a clever way to move an opponent's piece. A puppet quizzes them about opening strategies. They also play blindfold games, odds games, and a game where they memorize pieces from a sample game. They even see quick checkmates like Fool's mate and Scholar's mate.

After all these mini-games, they find pieces of paper. They use them to solve a chess puzzle that ends in checkmate in seven moves. Then, they challenge King Black to a duel. A TV show plays depending on if you win or lose. You can then play against King Kaleidoscope, King Purple, a computer, King Black, or Chesster at different skill levels.

Part 3: Tricky Strategies and Endgames

In the third game, you are at the Pleasantville fairground. King Black has won "Chess Chubbies" (plush toys) from 16 other kings in chess games. Fritz, Bianca, and Chesster want to win 16 of these toys to give back to the kings. They also play Chesster's flea circus game. In this game, you have to place a piece on the board to checkmate black quickly.

The 16 games teach you advanced chess moves like undermining, interference, and decoy moves. One game helps you choose the best move. Another asks you to remember moves from a famous chess opening called the Ruy Lopez. There's also a game like Breakout and one where you lure chicks into a trap. Another game has random things happen during a chess match, like all pieces being removed from a certain row. You also learn about chess clocks and a fun game called losing chess. You are asked to find checkmate after seeing a blindfold chess opening. Other games focus on different checkmates, like Anastasia's mate and Morphy's mate. You also learn how to checkmate with two bishops and with a bishop and a knight. Chesster teaches you when a lone king can or cannot force a draw against a king and a rook pawn. He also teaches how to win or draw in the rook and pawn versus rook endgame.

After all this, you play against King Black in a chess game. Each player gets ten minutes to make their moves. Then, you can play against Chesster at different levels, King Kaleidoscope, King Black, or a team made of the Chess Chubbies.

Part 4: Exploring New Worlds and Ideas

The fourth game takes place on an alien planet! Here, Fritz and Bianca learn even more tactics and strategies. They learn about the Queen's Gambit, which is a famous opening. They also learn about blockades, more checkmate patterns, and passed pawns. They discover the ideas of space on the board and tempo, which is about making good use of your turns. They also learn different ways to draw a game and play fun variants like dice chess.

Who Made the Games?

The Fritz and Chesster games were written by German author and artist Jörg Hilbert [de]. They were also created by Bjorn Lengwenus [de], who is a headteacher and chess trainer. The games were made together by Terzio's Quinto company and ChessBase.

When Were They Released?

Part 1 of Fritz and Chesster first came out in 2003 on a CD-ROM. It worked on computers with Windows 95 and newer Windows versions. In 2018, it was also released as an iOS app for Apple devices. The game has been translated into 17 languages, making it available to many children worldwide. The game's description says it is good for children aged eight and older. Besides the games, there are also chess puzzle books and workbooks that feature the characters from the series.