Children and Chess

Chess remains as one of the most educational and intellectually stimulating games in the world. This is reflected in its popularity as one of the most popular games in the entire world. Around the year 1475, old rules of chess were changed in southern Europe to what was essentially the game as we know it today. That same century, intellectuals began to write about the theory of winning chess.

Since then, the game has become a worldwide phenomenon, with thousands of chess tournaments being played every year around the world. There is stiff competition in these tournaments, as well as a ranking system that allows the world-class players to obtain a title indicative of their success in the sport.

Chess presents an opportunity of children of all ages to engage in an active competitive game that stimulates mental activity, discipline, and creativity. The game teaches children how to think, perceive, and predict as well as how to compete in a friendly way with peers.

For example, Adriaan de Groot, a Dutch chess master and psychologist, contributed a doctoral thesis about the psychology of chess. According to de Groot, advanced players have more than just the ability to predict moves. Instead, these players have a certain perception, honed by years of practice and study, that allow them to understand a specific situation. He proved that chess masters also have the ability to memorize the positions of all pieces almost perfectly, showing not only an increase in memory, but the ability to recognize patterns.

Children whose brains are still developing can be pushed in the right direction by playing chess. Recent research of the game showed that it can be used as mental training to improve the qualities of knowledge and intelligence while promoting the importance of preparation and stability. Chess teaches children to be analytical thinkers, curious learners, and problem solvers, all characteristics of proper mental progression.

Chess can also bring families together, especially if parents encourage their children to play. Parents should be excited that the game can give their child the skills they need to excel scholastically. Children that play chess have been found to have an average increase of 10-15% in reading and math scores. There is no doubt that chess improves the thinking and mental skills of a child, but few people understand that it also teaches work ethic, study habits, responsibility, and respect to a child, all qualities that will also help a child to excel socially in our world.

Encouraging children to play the game of chess is encouraging them develop skills and qualities that they will need to succeed in life. For parents and educators, the game can be an educational supplement, leading children to become smart, composed individuals ready to take on the world!