Why Kids Should Play Chess

Children should play chess because chess can impart valuable life skills and experiences to it’s players. There has been extensive scientific documentation that chess quantifiably improves memory, critical thinking, mathematics, and reading skills (to name a few). The earlier a child begins learning and playing chess, the greater the likelihood that he/she will excel in the aforementioned areas. The concept of plasticity of the developing cerebral cortex in children suggests that the earlier a child begins learning a skill/language/etc.. – the more natural success he/she will experience as the developing brain is very similar to an extremely effective sponge (especially in the earlier stages). A good example is that children are much better at learning languages at an early age – because their brain is naturally more receptive to encoding external stimuli into meaningful patterns. The following article by Mary Alward (with reference to original material by Chess Coach Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan) details the benefits of teaching chess to children.

Chess: Teaching the Five R’s to Children

One of America’s premier Grand Masters, Yasser Seirawan, believes that chess teaches kids the 5 R’s; reading, writing, arithmetic, responsibility and respect. 

Chess and Mathematics:

Each piece on a chess board has a value. Some pieces are worth more than others. If you allow your opponent to capture stronger pieces while you protect those of lesser value, it can cost you the game. Chess helps kids to calculate mentally.

Chess and Writing:

The rules of chess mandate that the players have to keep score of the game. This encourages children to write.

Chess and Reading:

Chess encourages kids to read because in order to perfect their game, they have to study chess books in order to learn rules and strategies.

Chess and Respect:

In chess, you must respect both yourself and your opponent. Each game begins and ends with a handshake. Chess is the game of Kings and there is no room for cheating or being frustrated because you lost.

Chess and Responsibility:

It is up to the player to lead his army of chess pieces to its best possible deployment. The child has to make decisions. If he allows his pieces to be captured, he may lose the game. This teaches kids to be very responsible when making decisions. This habit stays with them throughout their lives and helps them to make responsible decisions in all that they do.

When kids learn to play chess, they begin to develop mathematical skills such as algebra and geometry, critical thinking, logical thinking, decision making and problem solving. These skills will allow them to move through life prepared to deal with the unexpected and to take control in all situations and make intelligent choices. Dr. Peter Daubergne of the University of Sydney in Australia conducted a study on children who play chess. He concluded that these kids had raised their IQ’s significantly in the following areas.

• The kids learned how to make very tough decisions without the help of an adult.
• Their skills in creative, critical and original thinking were finely honed.
• Reading, language, mathematics and memory were greatly enhanced.
• Problem solving skills were substantially strengthened.
• They were able to make accurate and quick decisions under time pressure, which helped them bring up their exam marks.
• They learned the importance of flexible planning and that once decisions were made there was consequences to be reckoned with.
• Chess challenged gifted children and helped underachievers learn how to study and strive to put forth their best effort.
• Chess helps children of all social and economic backgrounds.