Enhance Cognitive Capacity Through Long-Term Chess Playing

​One of the world’s best-known games, chess is a rational board game. This means that chance does not determine the progress of a game between two players. Instead, the result depends on the players' ability and capacity to choose the best moves for pieces during a game. Engaging in such a cognitively demanding activity has long-term benefits.

Chess requires skill and concentration; an active memory and fluid intelligence enable players to adapt to new situations. Considering the number of possible moves a player has at every point in the game, the ability to foresee moves, develop strategies, and build critical thinking are important in the chess player’s skill set.

While it might seem that only those with innate cognitive abilities excel at chess, the game is accessible to anyone willing to practice. Like physical exercise strengthens muscles, chess can enhance concentration, memory, and analytical abilities. Young players, in particular, will likely improve their academic performance by playing chess regularly.

Research suggests that chess can modestly improve math and reading comprehension for kindergarten through junior high students. However, it certainly enhances attention and concentration capacity. These are important skills for long-term and higher-level learning. The ability to transfer chess skills to critical aspects of learning is probably its biggest influence on long-term learning and cognition.

Sedric Gant

Shop