Benefits of Chess

Research has shown many real and desirable benefits of chess in terms of education and personal development. Here are a few divided into Personal, Social, and Academic categories:


Personal

• Increased confidence
• Self Esteem
• Discipline
• Commitment
• Intellectual Maturity
• Overcome fear of risk-taking
• Responsibility for Actions
• Measurable Individual Accomplishments
• Increased English Skills
• Improved communication
• Planning Ahead
• Analyzing Actions & Consequences

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Chess in Education: Examples of Research Supporting the Benefits

Where it chess being used in schools, what are some examples of research and positive feedback about it, and where can you learn more?  


Chess in Education: Where is it being used? 

• In 30 countries around the world, chess is part of the required school curriculum. In Venezuela, Iceland, Russia and other countries, chess is a subject in all public schools.

• Starting this year, chess is being offered as a Board Approved and Authorized (BAA) high school course at the Robert Bateman Sec. School, Abbotsford, in British Columbia, Canada. So chess is now offered as a full credit high school course, on an equal with Science, Socials or Mathematics.

• The mathematics curriculum in New Brunswick, Canada, is a text series called "Challenging Mathematics" which uses chess to teach logic from grades 2 to 7. Using this curriculum, the average problem-solving score of pupils in the province increased from 62% to 81%. The Province of Quebec, where the program was first introduced, has the best math marks in Canada and Canada scores better than the U.S.A. on international mathematics exams. (http://www.chess-math.org)

Schools Recognize Benefits of Chess

Studies worldwide have shown that playing chess has benefits, especially for young children. Inspired by this knowledge, a growing number of teachers in the U.S. are trying to incorporate chess into their students' lives.

Best Places to Play Chess Online Free

ChessOK.com

1. ChessOK.com. You can play online in your browser, or download their powerful software for more features. Mostly Russian players. You can use their software to automatically check your game for mistakes once it is finished. Also, I really like the colors and design of their boards and pieces. It also allows you to store your games.
2. Owl21. Relatively new. Continually improving. Great interface and sounds. There are many Spanish speakers here.
3. Internet Chess Club (not free: about $60 US dollars a year) Definitely the best chess club on the Internet. Features include ability to watch some of the strongest players in the world play live, listen to chess-related radio programs, and study from a huge collection of chess training videos. Expensive, but worth it if you are serious about improving your chess. 7-day free trial available twice a year.
4. GameKnot.  Offers both very long games (e.g. one move/day or longer) and blitz.  Good interface.  Blitz doesn't give any control over who your opponent is.
   
   

American Grandmaster Maurice Ashley Interviewed About The Benefits of Chess