Chess is one of the oldest and widely played games in the world. Over the years, it has attained a cultural and intellectual significance that only a few other activities can match. It is a battle between two kingdoms, filled with master plans and strategy. Some call it the benchmark of genius. But what is it that makes it stand out from the rest of the countless board games that exist?
The history of chess
The history of chess is as fascinating as the game itself. The modern iteration that we enjoy today wasn’t known before the 16th century. It is one of the, if not the oldest board game to exist, and is said to have existed for nearly 1500 years, spreading throughout Europe and Asia, and eventually evolving into what we today know as the game of chess. As a result, this journey has brought people together from different cultures, ages, and backgrounds over a common bond and passion for the game.
Anyone can play it
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Although it is a difficult game to master, its basic rules are so simple and easy to understand that even a child as young as a five-year-old can learn how to play it. It doesn’t depend on age, nor does it require retirement, and is played casually as well as professionally by people of all ages around the globe.
It’s a game of fair play
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One thing that makes chess particularly better than any other board game – be it checkers or ludo, is that, because there is no luck involved, it can’t be won or lost on the random roll of a dice. With no random factors beyond our control to hope for or to blame, it is resolutely a game of skill, which rather than depending on chance, depends solely on one’s ability to solve problems and think logically.
Improves memory
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Chess is a tool that gives its users a rigorous mental workout and comes with innumerable benefits. The more matches you play, the more naturally you know when to use a certain strategy or tactic in a game. With moves having to be planned for one to successfully be able to carry out a strategy, as well as the memory recall needed when trying to avoid previous mistakes or remembering your opponents’ playing styles, there is no doubt in the fact that playing chess improves your memory. It has even been scientifically proven that chess helps keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay that is directly related to loss of memory. This benefit can be noticed in other areas of life as well such as academic performance, responsibilities, etc.
Sparks creativity
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The improvement to the skills that playing chess can bring isn’t just limited to logic and focus. Having such an analytical nature while being a game of endless possibilities, creativity is also nurtured through chess. There is room for everyone’s styles and personalities. One can show creativity in the type of plans and tactics that they come up with on the board. On top of that, it allows players to visualize possible outcomes in a contained setting which increases originality and mental flexibility. Numerous studies have shown that children who play chess foster growth in creative thinking quicker than those who do not.
Deepens focus
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One of the core educational values attributed to the game of chess has to be improved concentration. Bobby Fischer, who became the youngest international chess master at the age of fifteen said, “Chess demands total concentration.” It is one of the few games which stimulates both sides of the brain and helps you focus, which is incredibly beneficial in everyday life when one is confronted with daily tasks and deadlines.
It is hard to think of a board game that can compare with the complexity and depth of chess, keeping in mind all the benefits that come with playing it. Another one of its benefits is that it can be played traditionally as well as online. One site that I highly recommend for you to check out if this article interested you is coolmathgames.com where you can play chess with random players of your rating along with several other games. With minimal ads and various time formats to choose from, your experience playing chess won’t be able to get any better.
Click on the following link to get started!