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There have been several studies about the benefits of chess. It is obviously intellectually stimulating, but is it worth teaching your child?

In a 1973-74 Zaire study, employing 92 students, age 16-18, the chess-playing experimental group showed a significant advancement in spatial, numerical and administrative-directional abilities, along with verbal aptitudes, compared to the control group. The improvements held true regardless of the final chess skill level attained.

This means that it doesn’t matter how good at chess you are – just learning it and playing it gives you an advantage over people who don’t.

According to a two-year study conducted in Kishinev, grades for young students taking part in the chess experiment increased in all subjects. Teachers noted improvement in memory, better organizational skills, and for many increased fantasy and imagination.

Not just logic or mathematical reasoning improves, but creative abilities as well. There has also been proof that playing chess improves a child’s self image and confidence, especially over a long period of time.

Does this mean that you should buy your toddler a chess set today? Maybe not. But encouraging your children to engage in intellectually stimulating games such as chess can have a positive influence on their development.