How playing chess every day can improve your cognitive skills
With July 20 being World Chess Day, and with the Chess Olympiad just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to talk about the benefits of what is also called the Game of Kings.
They say practice makes perfect. But beyond practice, the more time you devote to your activity of choice, the better you will become at it. Yet, regular chess does more than that; it also helps in the cognitive development of children.
In fact, it is recommended that students play chess daily not only to hone their games, or to practice their moves and expand their positional awareness, but also to strengthen their cognitive skills.
Chess enables one to build the skills required for success going forward, in any walk of life.
According to the World Economic Forum, among the top 10 job skills required for the future are analytical thinking, complex problem-solving, active learning, creativity and initiative, critical thinking, and resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility. Each of these is a skill that chess can inculcate in the young.
Chess also aids in sharpening mental capabilities because it makes you focus, plan ahead and recognise patterns, all key skills for girls and boys growing up.
1. IMPROVES CRITICAL THINKING
Chess helps exercise both sides of the brain. And because it’s a game that throws up a combination of scenarios, players learn almost all conceivable moves, possible alternatives and potential outcomes of every scenario.
2. IMPROVES CONCENTRATION AND MEMORY
A drop in concentration can be the difference between success and failure, in any life situation. Chess helps you keep focus while also increasing your visual memory.
3. DEVELOPS PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS
Each move in chess is a question posed to the player, a problem that demands an answer. In this way, time spent on the board gives you insight and foresight, and makes you into a better planner.
4. IMPROVES READING SKILLS
The skills you need for reading are the same that will assist you in a game of chess, like thinking, analysing and comprehension.
5. IMPROVES SOCIAL AND LIFE SKILLS
Unlike a computer game, chess is played with an opponent sitting across from you. This gives the sport a human element, one that allows you to compete, interact and learn at the same time, whether you’re playing with family or friends. It also teaches you to be attentive and patient.
Interestingly, there is a very strong correlation between an aptitude for mathematics and chess—Emanuel Lasker of Germany and Machgielis ‘Max’ Euwe of the Netherlands, two former world chess champions, each left a big mark on both maths and chess. If you’re skilled at chess, you’ll likely excel in maths!
Additionally, chess has been known to manage Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Kids with ADHD who play chess are able to concentrate better and think more clearly. Chess has even been known to help people with neurodegenerative conditions such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
To conclude, spending an hour or two daily trying to master chess is great preparation for the challenges and problems that life throws at us. It’s fair to say that chess unlocks the superpowers that help us tackle any curveballs that may come our way!
