When it comes to the list of the most popular board games, the name chess stands at the very top. As per an article by Chess, Chess is one of the oldest board games. It is a turn-based strategy game that requires skill. It is played between two players on a chess board consisting of 64 squares, using different chess pieces, each having a set move limitation and function. The game is viral all around the globe due to numerous reasons. For starters, it is highly portable. All players who need to indulge in a classic chess game are a chess board and a set of chess pieces. Besides this, the game is easily accessible to everyone, mainly because many online chess apps and platforms allow players to play games virtually from anywhere.
Luck does not contribute to a chess match’s outcome in any way; hence, players need to know all about the game’s ins and outs before starting a match. Moreover, they should have a basic chess strategy to ensure they can easily counter the opponent’s moves. For instance, they should make a sensible opening move to ensure the course of the game deviates in their favor. Moreover, they should protect their king from the opponent’s chess pieces. Furthermore, players should use the queen during times of need and not at the beginning of the match.
Besides being a game of skill, Chess offers numerous benefits to users. This article will list some of the most prominent ones. Let us dive right into it:
- Enhances Memory
One of the most significant benefits of playing Chess is that it helps improve players’ memory. Multiple scientific surveys state that playing Chess keeps numerous diseases at bay, including life-threatening ones like Alzheimer’s. Researchers have also conducted multiple experiments comparing the memory of individuals who do not play Chess to those who indulge in the game frequently. The result showed significant differences between both types of individuals. The people who played Chess were comparatively better at recalling stored information than those who did not. Since Chess is based on skill, players must remember effective strategies that can help them quickly counter opponents’ moves and defeat them without hassle. This factor helps players in brushing their remembering skills. The majority of the world-famous chess players, including the likes of Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen, have exceptional memories. Experienced players with top-notch memory are better at remembering and recognizing visual patterns than those who do not indulge in chess games frequently.
- Improves Planning Skills
Chess benefits players’ numerous real-life skills, out of which planning is one of the first. Without planning, it is not possible to execute anything smoothly. The case with a chess game is no different. Players must efficiently plan at least six to seven moves ahead when competing against a skilled opponent in a competitive chess match. Without a proper plan or strategy, it may become challenging for players to beat their opponent and win a chess match.
Furthermore, chess games primarily include extended periods of silence, which allows players to plan their next moves. Moreover, they spend lots of time contemplating the other player’s move, which facilitates them to create an effective strategy. Thus, it would be safe to say that contemplation and planning are two of the most prominent benefits of playing Chess.
- Betters Attention Span and Focus
Chess is one of the few board games that require utmost focus and concentration. To defeat an opponent, the player must stay focused on their opponent’s gameplay and moves. They may lose the match if their emphasis flinches even for a single move. Chess demands complete attention and focus; thus, the game helps individuals improve their attention span and focus. The more an individual plays chess matches against other people, the better their attention span and ability to focus get. This, in turn, results in the individual performing better academically or professionally. Hence, indulging in Chess betters players’ attention span and helps improve their ability to focus on tasks at hand for extended periods.
- Elevates Creativity
A chess game requires players to devise creative ways to ensure they do not end up losing the match. The more creatively a player thinks, the better their chances of winning the game. Hence, the popular board game promotes creativity. Besides this, there is also statistical evidence that confirms the fact. A school in India hosted researchers who tested the creativity of children who indulged in Chess and those who did not. Students who played Chess frequently performed way better than those who did not. Hence, it is scientifically proven that indulging in Chess is one of the most effective ways of enhancing creativity.
- It Develops Problem-Solving Skills
Playing Chess helps players in developing problem-solving skills. A game of Chess is very unpredictable, i.eIt is full of twists and turns. For instance, after a player makes a move, their opponent may counter it with an unpredictable one. This forces players to think outside the box and devise practical solutions to pull the game’s momentum back to their side. Hence, playing Chess and countering opponents’ moves is one of the most effective ways following which players can develop top-notch problem-solving skills.
Playing Chess offers tons of physical and mental benefits, as mentioned earlier. Hence, everyone who loves board games should regularly indulge in chess matches to reap the benefits.