It is needless to say how chess is directly related to intelligence.
As per a study on 4,000 Venezuelan students, after 4 months of chess instruction a change in the overall IQ of the students was observed.
A 2016 study led by Michigan State University researchers chess skill is closely linked to intelligence.
As per reports, the IQ of Chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov is 135. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of chess for kids.
1. Improves problem solving skills
Those moments where one moves the pieces is not an ordinary activity, it teaches a lot to the kids. The problem solving skills of the kid are sharpened in chess.
The several pieces of chess signify the hardships and obstacles of life and moving each part is like finding your way out of the problems.
2. Teaches composure
The child learns to remain calm and composed while finding ways to solve the problem.
In a game of chess, you can’t get away by showing aggression or by giving a physical thrust on the opponent. You can only beat your opponent by remaining cool, calm and composed.
3. Polishes memory skills
Chess is a game where you need to learn, remember and memorize the moves (not just one pattern but several!). Even sometimes one has to remember past moves and games in order to play well.
Chess and memory go hand in hand. Keeping in mind the pieces, the moves and the possible countermoves of the opponent makes the memory of the kid more spacious and accommodating.
4. Fosters creativity
Just memorizing won’t help you in chess. In order to ace competitions and tournaments you need to strategically plan your moves in view of the countermoves of your opponent.
This involves creativity in your playing pattern. Chess is a game of inventing the various possibilities of moving the pieces and there are hundreds and thousands of ways to do it.
5. Teaches planning and discipline
While every sport inculcates this within a child, it is slightly different in case of Chess.
In each game you find your strengths and weaknesses and this varies depending on the opponent you have. Repeated attempts at succeeding something builds within you the quality of planning your moves and strategizing it properly..
The ability to properly plan something stems from discipline. Regular practice, following chess instructions cultivates discipline in the kid which plays a great role in academics also.
6. Inculcates logical thinking
Chess is a game of rules. Each piece has its own set of rules. There is no leniency to rules in this game.
Kids, who are often known to go astray even with slightest distractions. Chess brings in direction to the thought process in kids. If they start playing this at an early age, they learn that everything works as per rules and logic.
