|
Of course chess provides some skills. |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Source: Library.advanced.org/10746/reasons.html
Chess is a game for people of all ages. You can learn to play at any age and in chess, unlike in
many other sports, you don't ever have to retire. Age is also not a factor when you're looking for
an opponent --young can play old and old can play young.
Chess develops memory. The chess theory is complicated and many players memorize different opening
variations. You will also learn to recognize various patterns and remember lengthy variations.
Chess improves concentration. During the game you are focused on only one main goal -- to checkmate
and become the victor.
Chess develops logical thinking. Chess requires some understanding of logical strategy. For example,
you will know that it is important to bring your pieces out into the game at the beginning, to keep
your king safe at all times, not to make big weaknesses in your position and not to blunder your
pieces away for free. (Although you will find yourself doing that occasionally through your chess
career. Mistakes are inevitable and chess, like life, is a never-ending learning process.)
Chess promotes imagination and creativity. It encourages you to be inventive. There are an
indefinite amount of beautiful combinations yet to be constructed.
Chess teaches independence. You are forced to make important decisions influenced only by your own
judgment.
Chess develops the capability to predict and foresee consequences of actions. It teaches you to look
both ways before crossing the street.
Chess inspires self-motivation. It encourages the search of the best move, the best plan, and the
most beautiful continuation out of the endless possibilities. It encourages the everlasting aim
towards progress, always steering to ignite the flame of victory.
Chess shows that success rewards hard work. The more you practice, the better you'll become. You
should be ready to lose and learn from your mistakes. One of the greatest players ever, Capablanca
said, "You may learn much more from a game you lose than from a game you win. You will have to lose
hundreds of games before becoming a good player."
Chess and Science. Chess develops the scientific way of thinking. While playing, you generate
numerous variations in your mind. You explore new ideas, try to predict their outcomes and interpret
surprising revelations. You decide on a hypothesis, and then you make your move and test it.
Chess and Technology. What do chess players do during the game? Just like computers they engage in a
search for the better move in a limited amount of time. What are you doing right now? You are using
a computer as a tool for learning.
Chess and Mathematics. You don't have to be a genius to figure this one out. Chess involves an
infinite number of calculations, anything from counting the number of attackers and defenders in the
event of a simple exchange to calculating lengthy continuations. And you use your head to calculate,
not some little machine.
Chess and Research. There are millions of chess resources out there for every aspect of the game.
You can even collect your own chess library. In life, is it important to know how to find, organize
and use boundless amounts of information. Chess gives you a perfect example and opportunity to do
just that.
Chess and Art. In the Great Soviet Encyclopedia chess is defined as "an art appearing in the form of
a game." If you thought you could never be an artist, chess proves you wrong. Chess enables the
artist hiding within you to come out. Your imagination will run wild with endless possibilities on
the 64 squares. You will paint pictures in your mind of ideal positions and perfect outposts for
your soldiers. As a chess artist you will have an original style and personality.
Chess and Psychology. Chess is a test of patience, nerves, will power and concentration. It enhances
your ability to interact with other people. It tests your sportsmanship in a competitive
environment.
Chess improves schoolwork and grades. Numerous studies have proven that kids obtain a higher reading
level, math level and a greater learning ability overall as a result of playing chess. For all those
reasons mentioned above and more, chess playing kids do better at school and therefore have a better
chance to succeed in life.
Chess opens up the world for you. You don't need to be a high ranked player to enter big important
competitions. Even tournaments such as the US Open and the World Open welcome players of all
strengths. Chess provides you with plenty of opportunities to travel not only all around the country
but also around the world. Chess is a universal language and you can communicate with anyone over
the checkered plain.
Chess enables you to meet many interesting people. You will make life-long friendships with people
you meet through chess. |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
It must be a bit like playing a musical instrument or learning a second or third language.
The more you practice the better you become, just like anything else in life..:-)) But it does help
when you have the right people around....;-)) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
I completely agree. We all need to learn how to accept losses and plan strategies to reduce the
number of losses. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
No CHECKERS is a far more interesting game especially if you CUM up against an experienced player
who throws the board away when you ask what colour she'd like to play with...;-) |
| |
 joe9  28 Nov 2008 15:42
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
I can't see that chess offers us skills for life. It is not often I ride a horse forward 2 and then
one to the right. That said it is a great game and is useful for exercising the brain. |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
I play chess online often, and all it does is take up my time. I disgust myself. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Sign In
For and Against Recent Activity
