7 Amazing Benefits of Teaching Kids to Play Chess

Today's children spend a lot of time on their tablets due to which they have a very short attention span. Distraction are very common and acts as a limitation to their ability to focus on a single problem.

Chess is one of the most ancient games, discovered around 1500 years back in India. Driven by strategy, intelligence and reasoning. Playing chess requires absolute attention and focus.

“Chess is a very addictive process, a positive drug for children” – Grandmaster Raymond Keene

Several studies have proven benefits of teaching kids to play chess, some of the academic advantages are

Improved

• Memory,
• Reading comprehension,
• Maths problem solving skills,
• Time Management,

Increased

• Self-confidence,
• Observation,
• Critical thinking,
• Patience,
• Pattern recognition,
• Logic,
• Concentration,
• Analysis,
• Self-control,
• Creativity,
• Responsibility,
• Persistence,
• Self-esteem,
• Sportsmanship,
• Coping with frustration,

and many more which are hard to measure but makes a lot of impact on kids behaviour.

1. Increases Concentration and Memory

As a chess player you recognise and remember patterns which develop memory. During games your sole focus is to checkmate the opponent and win the game, momentary loss of concentration will result in loss. [1]

Chess offers immediate feedback. You lose your focus, lose your piece or even the worst match. Practice and study the strategy with focus you win a lot more.

And this behaviour transfers into academic performances.

2. Fosters Logics, Critical Thinking and Creativity

It encourages kids to be inventive, there are many beautiful combinations yet to be played. Chess helps you to understand basic reasoning of why something is done which helps in building logical strategies.

In a study conducted on 87 childrens aged 6 years, half of whom received chess training and the remaining did’t. As a result the scores of the ones who received chess training were higher than other childrens both in creative and critical thinking.

“I have come to the personal conclusion that while all artists are not chess players, all chess players are artists” - Marcel Duchamp

3. Develops Problem Solving Skills

While playing chess kids face a regular changing situation which demands to come up with solutions and overcome problems. Exposure to this kind of situation day in and day out builts a scientific reasoning and problem solving attitude.

4. Teaches Planning and Foresight

Every chess game needs planning and foresightedness. To overcome the opponent, reevaluation of plans and juggling of options are key. New situations arises as the game progresses, develops planning and foresigntness attitude.

5. Increases Kids Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

Training in memory, visuospatial reasoning and executive functions enhances kids' intelligence level. The best way to train these areas of the brain is through thoughtful games and activity that challenges the brain and keep it active.

Our left side of the brain handles analytics and method thinking while, right side handles creative or artistic thinking. Playing chess helps in exercising both sides of the brain and promotes growth of dendrites.

6. Engages the Mind Off Screen

Excessive screen time hampers child's development, chess acts as a saviour. Playing chess is fun and an engaging activity which enhances a child's development. Screen time and Kids development article discusses the appropriate screen time according to age and some tips on it.

7. Boosts Self-Confident

Winning a chess game, gives dopamine rush which fills you with immense self confidence and a sense of control. Low self confidence can be detrimental to the growth of an individual, winning a chess game can be a good starter to boost Self Confidence.

What to Do?

Get a physical chess board for your kid. Teach him how to play. You can also use an online website or applications like lichess.org. Take some lessons on how to teach chess for beginners. Give preference to physical Chess board as it is more engaging and helps in bonding with kids.

If they develop interest in the game then enroll them in a local chess club.

The Bottom Line

Chess is a very effective game. It enhances kids capabilities and helps them to elongate concentration. It improves memory and academic performance. It's a win-win situation for all if kids learn to play chess. I would suggest giving chess a try as there is nothing to lose and everything to gain.