Chess originated in India as a game of Kings and Empowers pondering politics and military strategy, thus the epithet ‘The Game of Kings’.
But chess is much more than that. Yes it is a game of strategy, a three dimensional, spacial view of life through a chequered board, but it is also brain food, a relationship builder and a social and educational tool. There is every reason in the modern world to work towards the introduction, or perhaps even the reintroduction, of chess as an educational tool in modern schools.
Chess has fallen out of vogue, identified as the game of the 10 percent, but it is becoming increasingly clear that introducing chess at all levels in modern school offers incalculable social and academic benefits
Just a few ways that chess can help growing kids:
- To be analytical thinkers
- To be motivated to learn
- To be critical problem solvers
- To think before they act
- T0 take pride in their accomplishments
- To win and lose gracefully
Be motivated learners
Be critical problem solvers
Think before they move
Take pride in their accomplishments
Be graceful winners AND losers – See more at: http://www.chessintheschools.org/s/index.cfm?SSID=1#sthash.BEFOetnp.dpuf
Here are just ten reason to think more carefully about chess:
1. Bump up your IQ
Do smart people play chess, or does chess make you smart? Both are true. Modern studies are offering clear evidence that regular chess playing raises IQ scores in both girls and boys.
2. Chess Helps Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
Like every other organ of the body, the brain is improved and strengthened by exercise. A recent study reported in The New England Journal of Medicine revealed that people over 75-years of age who engaged in activities like chess that challenge the brain are less likely to develop dementia than others who do not. The study found that unused brain tissue leads to a loss of brain power.
3. Exercise Both Hemispheres of the Brain
A further study undertaken by German researchers revealed that chess experts use both hemispheres of their brains to more quickly respond to the chess positions and questions of strategy.
4. Chess Enhances Creativity
Taking the above into account, and bearing in mind that it is the right hemisphere of the brain that is responsible for creativity, it stands to reason that regular exposure to chess will enhance an individuals basic creativity. This also has been conformed by studies and anecdotal evidence – in particular comparisons between those children between 7-9 who play chess and those who use computers or engage in other activities, with the former scoring much higher in improved creativity.
5. Chess Improves Memory
Bearing in mind all of the above, it almost stands to reason that regular chess playing will work to improve the memory. A good chess player not only need to remember past strategy, but also the characteristics and strategies employed by multiple opponents. Several studies reveal that children who play chess very quickly begin to show signs of improved memory.
6. Chess Enhances Problem Solving Skills
This again is almost self evident. If children are exposed to the complicated strategy and puzzle solving requirements of chess, in a passively competitive environment, they will naturally be able to apply those skills to every day life issues. The dynamics of the board are very fluid, requiring an on-the-hoof appreciation of any issue, and how to solve it, as it presents itself, again in a non-conflict situation. Chess most certainly does enhance the abilities of an individual to address and solve problems.
7. Chess Improves Reading Skills
This phenomenon has been very well researched and recorded. Children who play chess display notably improved capabilities in reading and cognition.
8. Chess Improves Concentration
At the highest levels, even a momentary lapse of concentration can result in the loss of a match. On every level, however, concentration and focus is a key element of successful chess strategy. It therefore stands to reason that chess enhances an individuals levels of concentration.
9. Chess Stimulates the Growth of Dendrites
What are dendrites? They are the tree-like branches that conduct signals from other neural cells into the neurons they are attached to another, somewhat like antenna picking up signals from other brain cells. The more of these that you have and the bigger they are, the more signals you’ll pick up. Any new skill will grow dendrites, chess, of course, being an obvious example, and continued development of chess will simply enhance this process. Chess grows dendrites!.
10. Chess Enhances Planning and Foresight
Strategy games like chess promote the development of the prefrontal cortex of the helping young adults make better decisions in all areas of of their lives. Encouraging teenagers to play chess improves the area of the brain responsible for planning, judgment, and self-control.
