Why Chess Is A Great Stimulant For Young Minds

Chess has been around in our country for centuries. As a matter of fact, the games roots trace back to India, when it was known as Shatranj and was then introduced to Persia and rest of the world. It is a game that has been used not just for entertainment purposes but also seen as a great stimulant for the mind.

Although the game has always had its set of loyal followers, in recent times its charm and popularity had simmered down. Netflix’s latest series, The Queen’s Gambit, which explores the journey of a young chess genius, has reinstated people’s interest in the game. 

The game has various pieces, which have different advantages and moves, which makes this a board game like no other. 

While the interest in chess is going to increase moving forward, owing to the popularity of the series, its also important to realize the benefits the game has on the mind.

Better memory
The game of chess requires players to learn various combinations of moves and strategies, which helps in enhancing ones memory. They are great at picking out visual patterns and queues as well, since the game urges you to analyze the opponent’s moves as well.

Ability to think from another person’s perspective
Since chess trains you to pick out patterns and identify your opponents moves, it gives players the training to have a multi-faceted approach to problems. The game helps players in looking at the flip side and changing their approach accordingly, which is a great skill for life as well.

Better planning
Chess also makes its players better planners and more organized. Identifying patterns, anticipating moves increases the cognitive abilities of the brain.

Makes your more intelligent
The game enhances a person’s fluid intelligence, which refers to identifying new problems and find reasonable solutions for it, as well as their processing speed, leading to a faster functioning brain.

Exercises both sides of the brain
Chess is one of the few games that uses both left and right side of the brain, thereby enhancing the overall functioning

Helps you tap into the state of flow
We’ve heard of the state of flow, which is referred to multiple times in the highly popular book Ikigai. The state of flow allows you to function at an optimal level, where are you completely immersed in the activity at hand.

Chess can reduce the symptoms of ADHD
Since chess has the ability to induce the state of flow and requires undivided attention, in the long run it can reduce the symptoms of ADHD as well

Chess as a game has multiple benefits for the young mind. While it has not been explored by many in a long time, the game has stood the test of time and is known to be one of the most stimulating games for the brain. Learning chess at a younger age can definitely have more long standing benefits which also help kids later in life.

Dharini Upadhyaya

Guest Author Co- CEO and Co- Founder, Furtados School of Music