Chess is a very old strategy game that involves a quite complete cognitive and emotional training. Some of its main benefits are the improvement of planning, organization, problem solving, attention, visuospatial capacity, memory, artificial and emotional intelligence.

                                          chess strategy game

Playing chess is the best example of playful intellectual activity. In addition, it helps develop other very positive abilities such as socialization and respect for the rules of the game. In fact, it is considered a sport.

One of its best qualities is that it can be practiced by anyone. Only some initial maturational skills are required that, as practiced, are developed to provide fascinating changes at a cognitive level and in the way of interacting with reality.

Since 1995, UNESCO recommends the incorporation of chess into the curriculum. This is recommended at the primary and secondary levels, both for children and adolescents, in all the member countries. However, this objective has not yet been achieved.

Playing chess provides numerous benefits both cognitively and emotionally.

History of chess

The origin of chess remains controversial. However, the most accepted version is that it was invented in Asia, probably in India. Its original name was Chaturanga, and from there it spread to China, Russia, Persia and Europe. In the old continent was where the rules of the current game were established.

In the 18th century, the first sports clubs and federations were founded to play chess. After many small competitions were held throughout Europe, in 1851 the first international tournament was held in London. The popularity of international competitions led to the creation of the title of world champion. Finally, in 1924 the International Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded in Paris.

Another curious fact related to chess is that in 1997, the supercomputer Deep Blue defeated Kasparov, world champion, in a match of six games. The confrontation had great coverage in the press and was considered "the most spectacular event in the history of chess."

"Chess is art and calculation".

-M. Botvinnik-

                                    Corner your opponent

               benefits of chess for your brain

Increase creativity

In chess it is not enough to respond to the opponent's moves or try to follow previously studied patterns. On the contrary, in order to achieve a clear advantage over the opponent, the player must think about all the movements that he could carry out. In this way, because it is necessary to imagine how to get to each position, the opponents develop their creativity to a great extent.

Prevents Alzheimer's

The brain functions like a muscle and, therefore, must be exercised. Playing chess has been shown to be effective as a prevention for the development of Alzheimer's type dementias. Obviously, this game can not completely avoid this type of diseases, but it is effective in delaying its appearance.

In fact, several longitudinal studies have confirmed this beneficial effect. Therefore, chess has begun to be used to fight against the development of these pathologies.

Increase brain development

Games like chess, by challenging the brain, stimulate the growth of dendrites. These are the ones in charge of sending the signals that the neurons emit. Therefore, the greater the number of dendrites, the neural communication in the brain improves and becomes faster.

On the other hand, playful participation in competitive activities also feeds the formation of neuronal synapses. These connections are what allow us to improve the speed and effectiveness of thinking.

Improves efficiency to work in stress situations

In chess, time and the permanent threat that your pieces can be captured often cause a positive mental stress. Therefore, it is a good way to learn to stay calm and have more emotional self-control.

The ability to self-control is fundamental for players. This is because chess is a discipline that requires great concentration. During a game, competitors can be absorbed for hours trying to decide the next move, ignoring everything that happens around them.

                                           Jaque mate

Improve memory

For the chess player, memory is a very important ally. This is due to the multiplicity of alternatives for each play and the relative short time to choose the best answer. Many of the solutions can be based on experience or prior knowledge of similar positions in other items. However, these answers can also come from the study of other players.

That's why chess fans know that practicing this game improves mnemonic ability. Good players, after many years of practice, have exceptional performance in tasks that involve memory and memory recall.

"Chess is more than just a game; it is an intellectual diversion that has something of Art and a lot of Science. It is also a means of social and intellectual approach ".

-J. R. Capablanca, former world champion-

If you like my writing I invite you to read my previous article:

Anatomy of Chronic Sadness [ Neuropsychology of Dysthymia ]

The Window Of Overton [Politics How A Proposal Can Go From The Radical To The Popular]

How To Face Vitals Crisis?

Reading Poetry And Literature Gives Relief To The Soul.

How We Apply The Law Of Hick when We Make Decisions

Some Cause Of Obsessive Thinking.

I hope you liked it, thanks for taking 5 minutes of your time to read my publication.

Follow me on steemauto go to the fanbaze option and place @joelgonz1982 and you will earn curator reward every day.

If you liked what you read, leave your comment.