Kid accounts can friend each other directly. However, for a Kid account to befriend an Adult account (Coach, Parent, or Teacher), that Adult account must first be listed as a guardian on the Kid account.
Once both accounts share the same primary email, our system recognizes the guardianship link.
Check out this article on the main site to learn more about our safety features: How to: Understand ChessKid's Safety Features
How to add an adult guardian to a kid's account
If the kid does not already have a Guardian listed
Have the kid log into their account and click the cog wheel icon ('Settings') next to their avatar.
In Account Settings, enter your email address in the 'Guardian's Email' field. This makes you the Primary Guardian of that Kid account, and the account will now appear in your 'My Kids' list.
To connect as friends, you may still need to send each other a friend request.
If the kid already has a Primary guardian listed
The Primary Guardian can add additional guardians, such as a coach, teacher, or another family member. The adult you want to add must already have a ChessKid Adult account. You can sign up for a free account here.
The following steps must be completed by the current Primary Guardian:
Log in to your account and click 'Manage' in the top menu, then select 'Kids.'
Click the menu icon (three lines) next to the Kid account and choose 'Edit Kid.'
On the next page, scroll down and click 'Edit Guardianship.'
In the appropriate field, enter the email address associated with the Adult account you want to add as a secondary guardian. From the 'Select Action' dropdown, choose 'Add Guardian,' then click 'Add.'
Once guardianship is set up, the adult and kid may still need to send each other friend requests to connect as friends.
Check out this article to learn more about guardianship: How to Manage Guardianship
How to play against a Kid account
Fast Chess
Before getting started, make sure the Kid is online, logged in, and on the Fast Chess screen. If not, they won’t appear in your list of available players.
From your Adult account, click 'Play' in the top menu, then select 'Play vs Kid.'
Click the 'Friends' tab (silhouette icon). If the kid is online and in the Fast Chess area, their name will appear in the list. Click the pawn-hand icon to send them a challenge.
If you have a lot of kids online, you can also type their username in the search bar at the bottom and click the magnifying glass icon to locate them on the list.
Slow Chess
From your Adult account, click 'Play' in the top menu and select 'Slow Chess.'
On the next page, use the dropdown under 'Play' to choose the game type or a specific opening you'd like to play.
If you prefer the game not to affect ratings, check the 'Unrated' box.
Click the 'Friends' tab to see a list of your friends, including your kids. Select the kid you’d like to play with and click 'Play' to send them a challenge.
