Schools Should Play Chess

Children who play chess have been found to be more successful later in life. Chess is the ultimate game of strategy, requiring both children and adults who play the game to think about each move. The intellectual nature of the game should not be ignored, especially when considering the academic benefits of such a game for the developing brains of children. Unlike many of the games popular today, most of which include some sort of violence, chess presents none of those risks.

As an educational supplement, chess is unrivaled in the areas of benefit and entertainment. While many libraries and schools may utilize games that are both entertaining and educational, there is still no match for the intellectual benefits of programs that encourage children to play chess. Chess remains one of the most educational games in the world. It is also one of the most unique in that it does not teach vocabulary, history, or math, but instead encourages its players to change the way they think. Winning a game of chess is more than just winning a game; a chess win represents the out-thinking of one player over another. It shows that one individual is more capable of adapting and thinking critically, skills that are useful in the real world. Other skills developed by individuals who play chess include:

• Focus – children who play chess are required to focus on the game they are playing. Chess requires full focus and participation for both players. It also requires children to be observant and concentrate on each move, encouraging focus.

• Preparation – children who play chess learn to think ahead. For example, if a player decides to use a specific chess tactic or strategy, he or she must work towards that goal and remain focused and prepared for the journey towards that goal.

• Study Habits – playing chess at a high level requires studying. This studying does not necessarily have to occur outside of the chess game. In fact, the best players study the other player’s tendencies and retain this information to affect their decisions later on in the game. There are hundreds of different tactics and strategies that may be employed for a better chance to win the game.

• Critical Thinking – children are encourage to think before acting. This critical thinking allows children to develop patience and critical thinking while they play chess. Chess also forces players to look at the “bigger picture,” helping them develop abstract thinking skills.

• Analytical Skills – chess requires players to understand the potential benefits and consequences of each action, helping the child make better decisions in the future.

• Multi-Tasking – since there are almost an infinite amount of situations and possibilities in chess, each game played progressively requires the player to consider more and more possibilities in each move. As such, children who play chess develop multi-tasking skills and the ability to consider multiple situations at the same time.

As you can see, chess can develop skills that go hand-in-hand with academics. As such, playing chess should be encouraged by all schools. Utilizing a fun, smart game as an educational supplement with children can help them grow to be successful, intellectual individuals.