Top 07 benefits of playing Chess
Chess, often called the game of the mind, is like a mental battlefield that really boosts our strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Unlike many traditional games, chess doesn't require physical activity, making it a unique and captivating indoor pastime. It's loved by around 600 million people worldwide! Let’s take a look at some of the fantastic benefits we can enjoy from playing chess.
01. Enhances problem-solving skills
In chess, figuring out how to counter your opponent’s tactical moves can actually be quite straightforward! There's really no other game that helps boost problem-solving skills quite like chess does. If you're a student struggling with maths, playing chess can be a fantastic way to improve your skills while having fun!
02. Boost Your IQ by Playing Chess
IQ measures how smart someone is, and there have been some interesting surveys about the IQ of chess players! For example, in Venezuela, around 4000 second graders took chess training for about four and a half months, and their IQ scores improved quite a bit. Plus, a survey from Belgium showed that chess players have an average IQ of 121, putting them in the top 8% of the population! This really shows how playing chess can help boost our thinking skills and make us smarter.
03. Maintaining Mental Integrity
Chess is such a fun game that helps you stay focused on a single goal! It’s interesting how just one little mistake or distraction can cause you to lose a match. That’s why chess players often develop stronger concentration skills than most people.
04. Developing Patience
In chess, one player gets to be the strategist, making exciting tactical moves, while the other focuses on defence. A typical chess match lasts around three hours, which means there can be some waiting time between moves. But that's part of the fun! Playing chess really helps you build patience, and it turns out that this skill can be a fantastic way to tackle many everyday challenges.
05. Learning to Embrace Victory and Defeat Equally
Everyone is in it to win, but just like two sides of a coin, when one person comes out on top, the other has to take a step back. While other sports require physical stamina, chess is all about using your mental energy. Playing chess helps you handle the disappointment of losing and prepares you to tackle future matches with a better mindset.
06. Develops creativity
In the wonderful game of chess, players get to unleash their creativity by coming up with clever strategies and exciting plans! It's fascinating how you can catch a glimpse of a player's personality through their moves. For instance, those who are a bit shy or reserved often make more cautious plays, while outgoing and bold players tend to be more adventurous and aggressive in their approach.
07. Enhances Memory
Keeping track of chess opening moves, tactics, and endings can really help you win matches! Plus, when you play, you naturally train your memory by thinking a few moves ahead. This skill is super valuable, not just in chess but in life in general, too!
The article is originally published in Sinhala language for chess players in Sri Lanka.
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