Step 1: Extra | Plus | Mix
The step-by-step method is developed by Rob Brunia and Cor van Wijgerden to teach children how to play chess. It is the most popular series worldwide and has proven itself very successful over the years.
In this first step, all the rules of the game are introduced and attention is paid to developing the basic skills necessary to play chess. It consists of a manual for the trainer and workbooks for the students: step 1, step 1 extra, step 1 plus and step 1 mix.
Manual for chess trainers
The manual is a great aid - even for experienced trainers. It includes ready-made lessons, hints on how to use the workbooks, how to give assistance, and much more.
Workbook for students
The first step is divided into 15 lessons.
1: Board and pieces
2: Moves of the pieces
3: Attacking and capturing
4: The pawn
5: Defending
6: Check and getting out of check
7: Mate
8: Mate
9: Castling
10: Profitable exchange
11: Twofold attack
12: Draw
13: Mating with the queen
14: Taking 'en passant'
15: The notation
Step 1 plus
The plus workbook features additional lessons on topics that were only briefly discussed in the ordinary book due to a lack of space.
Step 1 extra
The first half of the extra workbook focuses on the exercises on the same topics as in the 'steps', reinforcing the lessons learned previously. The second half of the workbook includes mixed exercises and resemble positions from real chess games.
In the mix workbook, there are 61 pages with exercises, which means as many as 723 puzzles.
The themes are known from Step 1 and Step 1 plus. A workbook containing exercises with one ‘simple’ assignment: play the best move. Just like in a real game, you do not know whether you can win or whether you have to defend. First, look at what’s going on? Can you give mate, is winning material possible, is there a piece in danger? In short, all kinds of stuff and you need to find the best move.
At House of Chess, we know how exciting it is to receive your new games and accessories—whether it’s a premium chess set or a classic family game. That’s why we offer flexible, affordable delivery options to get your order to you quickly and reliably.
Same-Day Shipping
Place your order and complete payment by 11:30 AM, and we’ll ship it the same day.
Delivery Speed
Johannesburg & Pretoria: Next business day
Major towns: 2–3 business days
Remote areas: Up to 5 business days
Delivery Methods
Choose the option that suits you:
Delivery to your door via our trusted courier
Arrange your own courier to collect from our warehouse
Collect in person from our shop:
House of Chess, 93 Malibongwe Drive, Robindale, Johannesburg
Nationwide Coverage
We proudly deliver to every corner of South Africa, no matter how remote.
For deliveries outside South Africa, please contact us for a custom quote.
Transparent Pricing
Delivery charges will be clearly itemised on your invoice—no hidden fees.
We’re committed to fast, safe, and seamless delivery—so you can start enjoying your games without delay.
Happy shopping!
— The House of Chess Team
When we receive your online order, an Invoice will be emailed to you. Payments can be made by EFT; and by Zapper or Snapscan, upon request.