Screens and other types of entertainment in modern life overshadows chess. But what people don’t know is that chess is more than just a game. It is a tool for cognitive development and critical thinking.
Chess is a game of strategy and foresight. Players must see a move before the other player does, and every move requires them to think ahead and anticipate other players’ responses. This constant engagement with problem-solving helps students make these critical thinking skills valuable in everyday life and school.
Success in chess often hinges on a player’s ability to recognize patterns and remember their opponent’s tendencies. This mental exercise strengthens memory and improves concentration in complex scenarios in this type of game. According to chessat3.com, chess appears to have a massive impact on players and can lead to a 30-50% improvement in math and reading.
Chess teaches many lessons, but it emphasizes the value of patience and discipline. Games can last for hours, requiring focus and planning ahead. Students learn that success doesn’t come from rushing decisions but from thoughtful and deliberate actions, a lesson that extends beyond the chessboard.
Chess, like life, involves wins and losses. Students learn to cope with defeat and analyze mistakes. Striving for improvement builds resilience and teaches them that failure is not the end but, in fact, a better opportunity for growth. The etiquette of chess, such as shaking hands before and after a professional match and congratulating the other player on a good move, still instills the idea of sportsmanship and respect in the player’s mind.
Chess is about logic and rules but also allows for creative thinking. Players can develop strategies to start the game, encouraging students to think outside the box and approach this type of challenge from a different perspective.
People of any age can play chess, which offers lifelong mental skills. The values learned in chess help students well beyond school years and benefit their personal and professional lives.
At Benjamin, people are open to joining the chess club held in the DLC during C block. Junior Cameron Gregory is the president of the club and has a strong opinion about the game.
“It teaches problem-solving skills and critical thinking. It has an aspect of enhancing memory, patience and discipline and it’s a strategic thinking game, and it helps concentration skills, especially in a world with many distractions,” Gregory said. “With the reasons above I think people should play it. In a sense it could also be socially beneficial. It’s also proven that students who play chess can have more academic success.”
Chess is more than just a game. It nurtures the mind and character, and incorporating it into daily life gives students a fun pastime and benefits their future.
