Chess is somewhat of a forgotten game. Widely dismissed as a game only the academic can play, Chess has a number of benefits for both adults and children.
What is Chess?
Chess is a game played between two players, one controlling the white pieces and one controlling the black pieces. It is played on a board made up of 64 squares which can be either empty or occupied by a piece. The object is to take the opponents King creating a ‘checkmate’. Chess is a strategic game which requires players to plan out logically how they will beat their opponent. (for full description and rules see here)
So what are the benefits of playing chess?
Well, Chess is known to improve a number of brain functions that will help you in life. Firstly, it improves your ability to reason and calculate in a logical and systematic fashion. It also improves your Visual-Spatial Intelligence, which is basically your ability to visualise pictures of what will happen in the future (like anticipating your opponents next move). Finally it improves your interpersonal skills, helping you to work successfully with others and to notice their motivation and goals.
A recent study has shown that it can help the behavioral patterns of children. The study showed that children who played Chess were less likely to behave badly. This is because Chess improves children’s concentration, focus and reasoning skills. The are numerous studies published on the Internet that show that when children in school studied chess for a prolonged period, their test results in key areas all improved.
Despite the facts above, Chess is also a fun game. Its a game of strategy, a game of war. And there is no right or wrong way to play the game. There are thousands of different opening strategies which are all as equally viable as the next one.
Many have become chess masters – no one has become the master of chess. – Siegbert Tarrasch
So where do I start?
Well that is up to you. You can get yourself down to a your local charity shop and get a second hand board for a couple of quid and away you go. There are thousands of chess books out there to help you along the way.
You could also play on the Internet. There are many chess site’s out there that allow you to play for free. My favourite is Chess.com which allows you to play either live or via a set amount of time between moves (they also have an awesome iPhone app).
There is also the option of joining a chess club in your area. Many chess clubs welcome members who are inexperienced and offer coaching sessions at the clubs.
What are you waiting for?
Get out there and enjoy a game of chess. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.