Often viewed as a game of intellect, chess has steadily become a favourite pastime activity for both young and old people around the world. For a while, chess carried the perception of being a game exclusively for older adults. However, this has changed over time; more young people are being drawn to the game, which is played in schools and other social settings such as tournaments.
Over time, chess has become one of the best exercises for the brain and mind, with lifelong mental health as one of the primary benefits. A survey carried out in 2012 showed that there’s a significant number of chess players in the world, as many as 605 million. It’s a steady rise for a game that is believed to have started in India, from where it spread to Persia and eventually into Europe and other parts of the world.
For chess players such as Thomas Noel Collister Jackson, a UK-based solicitor who is also a medium-ranked international player, chess promotes a number of skills that can be applied in real life. Additionally, the rules are easy to learn for beginners, and when it’s introduced to children at a young age, chess can be quite beneficial. The best part is that once players begin to enjoy the game, the benefits flow naturally and it becomes fun to keep engaging in it.
Chess is one of the more interesting sports because there’s rarely any repetition; no two games are ever the same. It is also accessible through multiple platforms, including online, and can be played against a variety of opponents – even computers! Being able to play against someone else introduces an aspect of socialisation and interaction that’s good for players. They can test strategies and bounce ideas off each other during gameplay, and a shared interest in the game can lead to the beginning of new friendships.
Other benefits of chess include:
Improved Brain Function
In much the same way a tennis player must consistently train and practice their arm muscles to become better at the game, a chess player must also train their brain to help them achieve better results. Think of the brain as a muscle that requires constant use to stay fit and active. This mental fitness is one of the major benefits of the game and many believe it’s why children should learn to play chess from a young age. The mental workout that comes from chess can be translated into better problem-solving and critical thinking skills for children, skills that are invaluable as they grow and study in school.
Better Strategical Thinking
When trying to fulfil a large task in life, a good approach is to outline a plan on how to methodically handle the task. Coming up with a good strategy is advisable, and that’s where chess can help. Playing chess can help players calm down and think through various approaches to competing, all while enabling them to try, test and figure out new ideas.
For younger players, chess teaches that there are rewards for playing well, and losing the game is often the outcome for not playing up to standard. This is something that applies in real life, so children know there are benefits to accomplishing tasks as required. They also learn to be creative, since as players progress, the game calls for out-of-the-box thinking to handle opponents.
A Game of Patience and Reward
Chess is a test of will power, concentration and patience that enhances a player’s ability to interact with others and develop sportsmanship. Players that continually practice get better, and from their hard work success is often achievable.