south jersey innovation center

4 Ways Chess Increases Your Brain Power

chess clubs in new jersey

Chess has entered the chat…

Everybody knows of the classical game known as chess, but does everyone know that it’s more than just a game to pass time? In this blog, we’ll explain how chess is an exceptionally fun and intriguing way to increase your child’s brain power.

1) Chess Improves Your Memory
Multiple studies show that chess improves memory, attention span, and concentration. The game requires for players to remember various combinations and strategies to improve their game play. Teachers at the SJIC engage with the students while testing their knowledge, encouraging them to improve the way they remember. The game aids players to memorize previous moves that has had positive or negative results in past matches. This helps students learn from their mistakes (or achievements! ) while strengthening their memory.

Fun Fact: Chess helps prevent Alzheimer’s. People over 75 who engage in brain-games are less likely to develop dementia than non-players.

2) Chess Improves Your Problem Solving Skills
When chess is learned at an early age, it helps promote the growth of the part of the brain that controls planning, behaviors, and personality development. During their training classes at SJIC, the teachers offer students chess puzzles where students can analyze and figure out the correct move. While developing this skill, students also learn how to make accurate decisions under pressure or in a fast paced environment.

Fun Fact: The second book ever printed in English language was about Chess.

3) Chess Improves Your Strategy Building Skills
Chess can help improve players foresight and planning skills. Players imagine various moves in their minds, causing for them to analyze any possible situation. This is similar to mapping or creating a strategic plan. Magnus Carlsen, the current World Chess Champion, claims to be able to “see” approximately 10 moves ahead, 15 depending on the layout of the board. Compared to the average players who are able to see 2-6 moves ahead, depending on the complexity of the decision. Students learn how to think with increased logic and effectivity while planning their next move, whether it be on the chess board or in a real life situation.

Fun Fact: The longest game lasted for 269 moves and ended in a draw! If a game’s going to last that long, there might as well be a winner. (Nikolić–Arsović, Belgrade 1989)

4) Chess Enhances Creativity
Chess increases originality and creativity with continuous practice. It teaches students to stay on their toes while thinking outside the box.

In India, a research group conducted a test for studying the impact chess training on creativity on students. During the students training, they were encouraged to challenge their own standards and to play competitively. Researchers found that the experimental group of students who completed the weekly chess training had significantly increased creativity when it came to problem solving.

Fun Fact: About 25 to 35 million of the current 300+ million US residents know how to play chess, that’s about ten percent of the population!

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