Health Benefits of Chess

We’ve found that chess has often been associated with the person who spends too much time indoors, can’t talk to people, and isn’t all that active. At Chess Mates we think this isn’t true, plenty of our students are great chess players but also active, healthy kids who have made friends from playing the game. Whilst chess may not have you jumping around building muscles here are some of the health benefits it offers.

1. Dendrites

In simple terms these are brain cells that help speed up processing power and communication within the brain.

2. Both sides of the brain

Unlike a lot of activities chess exercises both sides of the brain. Chess requires players to use both object recognition (left hemisphere) and pattern recognition (right hemisphere).

3. Effects on Alzheimer’s

There’s been studies conducted that show people who play a lot of chess have a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Schizophrenia and mental health

Doctors have found that patients with schizophrenia who play chess on a daily basis showed an improvement in condition.

5. Thinking and problem solving

Introducing chess at a young age is shown to improve performance at school for many years to come.

6. Confidence

Children can develop role models in chess, but they also have to make decisions for themselves and take ownership of their wins and their losses.

7. Rehabilitation and recovery

Moving pieces can help with fine motor skills which is particularly helpful for patients with autism or those who have recently suffered from a stroke

All info from chess.com