Children should learn to play chess even at an early age for a lot of excellent reasons.
First of all, chess has been shown by studies to improve both the intelligence and the emotional quotient of children. The ability of children to grasp details of problems is enhanced when they play chess. As a result of this deeper understanding, children learn how to arrive at solutions of problematic situations. At the same time, the self-assurance that comes with solving problems removes many inhibitions that may hamper interacting with their peers.
Chess, when played with any amount of seriousness, is an excellent motivator for facing challenges. Eventually this develops in the child a resilience of character that will prevent him from being discouraged by initial failure and give him the resolution to pursue goals.
An under-achiever is most often simply a person whose thinking process has not been developed or has been stunted for some reason or another. Children who play chess will be forced to set those little cogs and wheels in the brain revolving properly.
Because when people play chess, they make their own decisions as to what moves will be best, this develops in them a sense of responsibility for their actions. Because of this, having to answer for one's actions becomes inevitable. The result of that is that chess also shows children the need to plan any course of action carefully.
Since chess is a very interactive game, constant engagement in this activity favorably affects the ability of the child to respond suitably to other people, making them good at building friendships.
Because to play chess well, a great deal of concentration and comparative analysis is involved, these characteristics become enhanced in those who enjoy chess regularly.
As a result of wanting to be responsible, children will also want to discipline their actions so that their actions will be exactly appropriate for the ends desired, no more, no less. The frugality of the game rubs off on its players.
Getting into the head of other people is another capability that is enhanced by chess games. This is because in order to decide the right move to make, a player needs to be able to asses how the opponent may possibly be thinking. The child learns how to put himself in the other person's shoe. This is an ability that can be very helpful to him as an adult.
Visual intelligence is also developed by playing chess. This is what we refer to when we talk about 'common sense.' It is a type of reasoning that takes into consideration the physical situation of the objects involved in the reasoning process. This is what it takes to recognize the potential of things that are right under our noses. This helps a person to solve problems in a practical way.
Retentive memory is among the many good contributions that to play chess can give to children. This hones the ability to keep different plans of action in reserve in the mind, and using the most appropriate one when needed.
A logical consequence of improving one's thinking and one's emotional reactions will be to pick up on academic achievement and social relationships, something children who play serious chess are likely to do.
Finally, because chess is not a game of chance, children develop a desire not to leave things to chance. They form the habit of setting goals, studying how to achieve those goals and persisting in their pursuit.
Author Resource:-
John Skelly is an avid chess player and loves to not only play the game but talk about it with others. He particularly enjoys writing about the intricacies and dynamics of chess. He invites everyone to find out more about Quality-Chess.net and to play chess as often as they can.