Whether you are a newbie or one who wants to relearn chess after many years of gap. The most common question about which you might be worried right now is whether spending the time and energy in playing chess will be worthy for you or not.
Chess sharpens memory, improves cognitive and problem-solving skills, and also boosts confidence. Many studies have proven the positive effects of chess on our brain. So chess is definitely worth learning.
The reason you are thinking of this question is, that you might be a little lack motivation and feel that you might not become a great chess player. It will be a total waste of time, so why play chess? Or maybe you are thinking, will it be worth it for me to play chess?
Right? Don’t worry!
Today I’m gonna provide you with the best guidance regarding this topic covering each and every aspect. In this article, I’ll be discussing with you, Why chess is worth learning? What are the benefits of learning chess? Is it worth learning chess as an adult?
So without further ado let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why Chess is Worth Learning?
Chess is worth learning because of the following reasons:
- Sharpens your Memory
- Improves Problem Solving Skill
- Improves Cognitive Skill
- Improves Sportsmanship Spirit
- Boosts Confidence
- Improves Concentration
- If you love chess you never get bored
Let’s see each of these points in detail:
How Chess Sharpens your Memory?
In chess, a player needs to remember various tactics and patterns in order to win. Applying those tactics proves to be a great test for the brain.
Chess helps to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Solving chess puzzles also proves to be a great exercise for our brain. As to remain physically fit we need to do exercise. Similarly to remain mentally fit we need to do brain exercises.
Chess is one of the best brain games that sharpen your memory.
Especially for kids chess is very helpful and beneficial. Studies have found chess to be good for kids for their overall brain development.
Also Read: Can Chess Increase IQ?
How Chess Improves problem-Solving Skill?
In chess, a player uses various tactics to checkmate the opponent. Chess is not rigid but dynamic. Nothing happens pre-planned in chess. So the player has to anticipate each move of the opponent and accordingly use the tactics to solve the problem that occurred.
Thus chess improves problem-solving skills.
This can be better understood with an example of a real chess game. Just play a game with a computer, a friend, or some chess player. You will realize how chess tests your critical and analytical thinking skills at each move you make!
Also read my article: Is Chess Difficult To Learn? (All You Need To Know)
How Chess Improves Cognitive Skills?
Cognitive skills are brain-based skills that help us to read, think, learn, remember, reason, and pay attention.
It is the mental ability to do any task from simple to complex. Chess definitely helps to improve cognitive skills.
Playing chess games you challenge your brain in various ways. It is a fact that as much you challenge your brain, the new neural connections develop.
The number of dendrites in your brain increases. Hence, ultimately contributing to the overall development of your brain.
Also Read: How Is Chess Related To Life?
How Chess Improves Sportsmanship Spirit?
Chess is played in silence and following etiquettes. The game starts with the shaking of hands. Moreover, a player is not allowed to distract the opponent by any means. Thus, these etiquettes build a strong sportsmanship spirit in the chess player’s mind.
You can read the article by Chess Coach Alex Jury where the relation between chess and sportsmanship is explained in detail.
In chess, you learn the proper etiquette. Chess makes you polite as a person.
If you want to offer a draw, you have to utter that in a ‘soft’ voice. You can’t disturb your opponent. You can’t hit the clock hard. You have to be gentle and play your game. You can’t mock your opponent. So these are some of the etiquettes you need to know.
How Chess improves Concentration?
In chess, you need concentration to play the game successfully. If you don’t focus you will not be able to analyze or anticipate your opponent’s next moves.
Whenever we focus on one thing for a long time, it helps to increase our concentration. Chess exactly does the same.
How does Chess help boost your confidence?
While playing chess when you win your confidence increases. Even if you lose, you learn many things from your mistakes. This ultimately helps you to improve as a great player.
You feel special and playing chess gives you a lot of satisfaction. So in this way, your confidence boosts by playing chess.
Also Read: Why Is Chess So Fun? (Logic + Facts!)
If you love chess you never get bored
Bobby Fischer said, “You can only get good at Chess if you love the game.“
The most positive thing about chess is if you love playing chess then you never get bored. It proves to be a great way to spend time. Whether you are a kid, adult, or old man. Playing chess always helps and benefits you in some way or another.
Moreover, do you know that you can even play chess alone! You can solve many chess puzzles. These things not only improve you as a chess player but will be a great fun activity for you as well.
Read my article: Is Chess Addictive? (Why? And How To Stop It!)
Is it worth learning chess as an adult?
Yes, it is worth learning chess as an adult because it will reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s disease. If you love playing chess then it is a good pastime hobby in your adulthood, full of fun and enjoyment.
You can even play with your kids and encourage them to learn this wonderful game.
However, if you are thinking of becoming a chess grandmaster then probably it is not that easy. I interviewed FIDE Master Viktor Neustroev in my article How To Become A Chess Grandmaster.
In that, he shared the incident of his friend who is at the age of 41 and already having 2 norms, trying to get the title, but he couldn’t even though he has the skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that chess is definitely worthy to learn not only because of its mental benefits but as a good hobby.
Hope you liked the article as much as I liked sharing it with you! So, what are you waiting for?
Grab a chess set and start playing chess? You can also check out my recommendations on the 7 Best Chess Sets For Beginners! (With Buying Guide)
And Wait! If you are a beginner in chess then I highly recommend checking out my article Chess Basics: The Complete Beginner’s Guide To Play Chess.
In that, I walk you through all the chess basics step-by-step in different lessons. So you will definitely find it helpful especially if you are just starting out.
Thanks! Please share this article if you found it helpful 🙂
FAQs
Why should you not play chess?
If you don’t love chess then you should not play chess. But yes if you feel a lot of stress because of playing chess then it is not for you. Overindulgence in anything is always harmful!
Does chess make you crazy?
Though there are examples of popular chess players like Bobby Fischer and Paul Morphy suffering mental illness, I don’t think chess makes you crazy. Garry Kasparov, Magnus Carlsen, Vishy Anand, Hikaru Nakamura, and so on play chess a lot and are mentally fit and fine.