The Benefits of Chess in Building Young Minds

The Benefits of Chess in Building Young Minds and Strengthening Bonds

By Rouaa Ahmed, B.Sc. Neuroscience Undergraduate Student

If you’re looking for a game that’s fun, engaging, and actually helps your child learn, try chess! It’s easy to assume chess is just for serious thinkers or future grandmasters, but in reality, any kid can play, and the benefits go far beyond the game board. Chess encourages kids to think ahead, stay engaged, and handle setbacks with confidence. It also strengthens their brains and deepens their connection with others. The best part? They’ll have so much fun; they won’t even realize they’re sharpening their minds.

Benefits of Chess in Building Executive Functions and Attention Spans:

One of the biggest benefits of chess is how it strengthens a child’s executive functioning (EF), the set of skills that help them think critically, plan ahead, and make smart decisions. These abilities are essential for problem-solving, self-control, and handling everyday challenges (Oberoi, 2021, p. 68). Long-term chess players develop stronger cognitive pathways that boost critical thinking and decision-making (Gliga & Flesner, 2014, p. 964). Brain imaging studies have found that chess activates multiple regions of the brain, particularly those responsible for planning, logical reasoning, and memory (Ortiz-Pulido et al., 2019, p. 195). Over time, these mental processes become more efficient, allowing players to analyze situations quickly, anticipate consequences, and make better strategic decisions.

In addition to boosting decision-making skills, chess helps kids develop focus and patience, qualities that are more important than ever in today’s world of constant digital distractions. Studies have shown that chess players develop greater resistance to monotony, allowing them to stay engaged in tasks for longer periods without losing concentration (Gliga & Flesner, 2014, p. 965). Because chess requires deep focus and strategic thinking over extended games, it naturally builds the mental stamina needed to stay attentive in other areas of life, including schoolwork and problem-solving (Sala, Foley, & Gobet, 2017, p. 3).

Impact of Chess on School Performance:

 These cognitive benefits are not just limited to the chessboard; they extend into the classroom, helping kids perform better in school. In fact, studies have shown that children who played chess once a week for 10 weeks performed significantly better in math and reading than those who didn’t (Ortiz-Pulido et al., 2019, p. 196)​. In other words, chess strengthens problem-solving, logical thinking, pattern recognition, and other key skills that make subjects like math easier (Sala et al., 2017, p. 5)​.

Chess can be especially helpful for kids with ADHD, improving focus, reducing hyperactivity, and strengthening self-control. In multiple studies, children who participated in chess training for 10 to 12 weeks showed noticeable improvements in their ability to focus, stayed engaged for longer periods, and made more thoughtful decisions (Agarwal, 2023, p. 193)​. Chess players with ADHD were also found to be less impulsive compared to non-players, performing better on tasks that required patience and self-regulation (Agarwal, 2023, p. 194)​. These benefits are likely because chess requires players to slow down, think ahead, and carefully plan their moves rather than acting on impulse. Because chess is structured, it naturally builds concentration and strategic thinking, skills that carry over into school and daily life. Additionally, chess enhances memory, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills, making it a valuable tool for cognitive development and academic success (Oberoi, 2021, p. 72)​.

Chess as a Bonding Tool:

Finally, Research has shown that the quality of time spent between a parent and child has a direct impact on a child’s well-being, cognitive development (Li & Guo, 2023, p. 5). When parents play chess with their kids, they strengthen the parent-child bond in a meaningful way. Chess is particularly effective at fostering connection because it goes beyond simply spending time together, it is a high-quality interaction that engages both players on a deeper level. Unlike passive activities, chess requires critical thinking, communication, and strategy, encouraging parents and children to challenge each other while enjoying each other’s company (Nanu et al., 2023, p. 7). This shared experience creates a space for learning, patience, and collaboration, making the time spent together not just enjoyable, but also highly beneficial for their relationship.

Community Chess Programs:

            If you're looking for a place to play chess in the community, you're in luck! The research-based Chess for Life program at the University of Lethbridge offers a variety of engaging chess activities, including tournaments for kids aged 8-18 and exciting events the whole family can enjoy. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, there's something for everyone to join in and have fun. If you're interested in any of their events, be sure to visit their website for more details.

Link to the website: https://chessforlife-uleth.org/

Overall, chess is more than just a game, it’s a tool for growth, learning, and connection. It strengthens critical thinking, focus, and problem-solving, skills that benefit children in school and beyond. For kids with ADHD, it offers a fun and effective way to improve attention and self-regulation. And when parents play chess with their children, they’re not just teaching strategy; they’re creating meaningful one-on-one interactions that strengthen their bond. In a world filled with distractions, chess provides a rare opportunity for deep engagement and shared achievement. So, whether you want to boost learning, improve focus, or enjoy quality time, chess is a winning move for any family.

REFERENCES

Agarwal, N. K. (2023). Evaluating the effectiveness of chess as a therapeutic tool in the comprehensive management of ADHD. Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences, 10(2), 191-195. https://doi.org/10.22543/2392-7674.1405

Gliga, F., & Flesner, P. I. (2014). Cognitive benefits of chess training in novice children. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 116, 962–967. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.01.328

Li, D., & Guo, X. (2023). The effect of the time parents spend with children on children's well-being. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1096128. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1096128

Nanu, C. C., Coman, C., Bularca, M. C., Mesesan-Schmitz, L., Gotea, M., Atudorei, I., Turcu, I., & Negrila, I. (2023). The role of chess in the development of children: Parents’ perspectives. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1210917. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1210917

Oberoi, A. (2021). Using chess as an intervention to improve executive functioning among youth (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations

Ortiz-Pulido, R., Ortiz-Pulido, R., García-Hernández, L. I., Pérez-Estudillo, C. A., & Ramírez-Ortega, M. L. (2019). Neuroscientific evidence supports that chess improves academic performance in school. Revista Mexicana de Neurociencia, 20(4), 194-199. https://doi.org/10.24875/RMN.M19000060

Sala, G., Foley, J. P., & Gobet, F. (2017). The effects of chess instruction on pupils' cognitive and academic skills: State of the art and theoretical challenges. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 238. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00238