Our brain is the most important vital organ in our body. It contains billions of neurons that make trillions
of their connection networks. Neurons are responsible for carrying information throughout our body.
They use electrical and chemical signals to coordinate all functions of life. Your brain is the command
centre for all that you think, feel and does. The left side of the brain is involved in analytical thinking,
whereas the right side is involved in creative activity. Both sides of the brain become highly active when
anyone is engaged in the game of chess.
Chess is an activity of boundless potentials for our mind. It develops mental activities that are used
throughout life. Several studies have shown the advantages of chess in education. Chess teaches basic
life skills that all kids should know to lead a successful and productive life.
There are so many benefits for kids who learn and play chess. Some of these are:
1. Can Help to Deepen Focus
Kids who play chess regularly significantly improve their visual memory and concentration.
2. Develops Creativity and Critical Thinking
Chess makes kids to be able to think through changing variables and possibilities. These skills are very
important for the game and hence for the life. Chess requires kids to use cognitive skills such as thinking,
reading and analysis. Robert Ferguson, who is executive director of American Chess School in
Pennsylvania, s has discovered that kids who play chess develop 35% higher creative and 15% higher
critical thinking than kids who do not play chess.
3. Builds up Confidence and Improves Memory
Dr. Diane Horgan, Dean of the Graduate School of Counseling and Educational Psychology at
University of Memphis in Tennessee established that chess not only improves visual memory but also
helps to enhance reasoning ability.
4. Develops Problem Solving Skills
Research studies have shown a strong correlation between chess and math’s scores. Even a short
time practice of chess is very effective tool to enhance kid’s mathematical abilities. So chess can be used
as an instrument to enhance problem solving skills.
4. Teaches us Foresight
Chess teaches us foresight by forcing us:
a. To make a plan ahead
b. To be vigilant
c. To keep watch over the entire chess board
d. To restrain from making hastily moves
5. Increases Intelligence Quotient (IQ) Levels
It has been proved that the game of chess increases brain power and enhances IQ levels. One study
in Venezuela has shown that 4000 grade-2 students showed marked improvement in overall IQ scores in
just 4 months of play. So, chess indeed raises a child’s IQ significantly.
5. Reduces the Risk of Developing Degenerative Brain Diseases
Research has shown that playing chess can help to reduce the chances of mental illnesses such as
dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Chess promotes brain growth and healthy stimulation of neurons.
Thus, it can make brain stronger and faster. Chess can provides kid’s the opportunity to enjoy a mentally
entertaining quiet game. It is more entertaining and beneficial than any other game. It keeps kids away
from loud, violent and often silly online games.
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Chess is in the school curriculum in about 30 countries worldwide. In USA, Russia and all the countries
which were part of USSR etc, the game of chess is mandatory part of primary school curriculum. Since
2011, all the children in Armenia from 6 to 8 years have had compulsory chess lesions. Armenian
authorities say teaching chess in schools is about building character, a sense of responsibility and
organization among school children. Chess develops important array of intellectual skills. Chess fosters
independent strategic thinking among future generation at school, at work and in society.
International Chess Federation (FIDE) and European Chess Union (ECU) have issued a survey report
on May 28, 2021 about chess in schools. According to this survey, 25,600,000 children are participating
in chess activities in school environment. Out of these 15,000,000 children are in India, 5,000,000 in
China and 5,600,000 in rest of the world. This report will be used to suggest an operational and financial
plan for FIDE 2021-2025 concerning chess in schools.
