The benefits of learning how to play Chess

Well, we certainly have more time on our hands at the moment and most of it at home. So get out the chessboard amongst other games. Smart people play chess and studies have shown that both boys and girls showed high IQ scores after four months of chess tuition. There's a big difference in how the two sides of our brain process information – the left side is for analytical and methodical thinking, while the right side is responsible for creative or artistic thinking. Research has shown, however, that in those who play chess, both sides of the brain reveal a high level of activity. You are thinking creatively and logically!

While playing chess, concentration is one of the most important skills for success in the game. It's impossible to play chess and be thinking about something different, so focus is the name of the game. Paying attention to every single detail and each piece will help you to develop your or your child’s concentration, not only in chess but also in different life situations.  In fact, some research showed that after 32 weeks of chess sessions many students showed noticeably more active creativity.

Deciding where to move the pieces is not an ordinary activity — it's the result of raising intelligence and making tough decisions. In our quickly developing world, we face numerous problems and obstacles at every step of our life. Some of these are solved, others not because of the lack of problem-solving skills. As a parent, it's imperative that you demonstrate how to solve problems and move forward. And the earlier you start, the earlier you will have an independent, self-confident child.

Chess is the finest example of developing those skills

 It's a well-known fact that playing chess improves memory because, while playing chess, you have to remember your opponent’s moves and work out what he or she may do as the game progresses. Just remembering many of the opening moves is alone enough to improve your child’s memory. Then there are the spatial skills — this ability is important in chess calculation, allowing players to calculate variations sometimes ten moves deep, visualising changes, picturing a position some moves down the line, and analysing extensively. Remember how, when young and foolish, you may remember some things that you did and worry about the consequences. Well, the main characteristic of all chess players is that they plan and predict all the time, no matter at what stage. While playing chess, planning is essential, and this becomes a part of the personality. If you want to have a teenager with planning skills, challenge them to a game now.

 The skills that are being taught through this game go far from beyond the game itself and prepare the person for life’s difficulties, challenges, and problems — teach how to solve them in a creative way. This will be one of the greatest things you've done for them.

It’s not just for the young

 While playing chess, the most active part of our body, obviously, is the brain. This needs regular exercise to be healthy and avoid injuries, so playing chess decreases the risk of dementia as well as preventing its symptoms, because playing chess develops brain functioning. Which, in its turn, also reduces the risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety and depression. A recent study showed that people over 75 years of age who are involved in mind exercising activities like chess are less likely to develop dementia than non-board-game playing people of a similar age.

It’s never too late to become a potential Fischer or Kasparov. 

Looking for a chess coach? Browse through our tutors & coaches database to find the best suitable tutor for you.