Page 24 - FWG_Issue 2_March_2022

Today's Child

MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS

ON THE CHESSBOARD

B Y PROF KERS TIN JORD AAN, EXECUTIVE DIREC T OR A T THE SOUTH AFRIC AN MA THEMA TICS F OUND A TION

Image: Michal Vrba, Unsplash

The Netflix television series, The Queen's Gambit, made chess popular the efforts of the player himself. This is
again. The narrative plays off in 1950 and tells the story of a young thought to improve the empowerment of
the player and, consequently, the belief in
orphan girl and her unusual talent for chess. his own capabilities.
• The chess player becomes mindful of the
laying chess from a young age since value during the game is not absolute. need for sustaining attention, directed to
helps children develop problem- In the same way, value in life is not absolute. both the simple components of the game
solving, relationship-building, Sometimes players exchange points for and to the analytic relationship between
Pand thinking skills. In addition, an equivalent amount of benefits, which elements; attention that is already
studies reveal that chess players develop teaches them about the changing nature of probably present in the participant, but
perspective, have improved memory, and value. This understanding of value can then that the natural environment and habits
increased intelligence. The game deepens be related to different aspects of life." tend to diminish.
focus, elevates creativity, and increases • And chess is a fun and fulfilling activity that
self-awareness. Scientists found that the Chess is based partially on a range of stimulates children to play more. In other
complex mental flexibility chess demands mathematical elements. In essence, it is a words, chess gets a ‘virtuous circle’ started.
could help protect older people from game that requires players to apply skills that This circle can also be instrumental in
dementia. Likewise, it reduces attention- exceed the mere calculation of variations. developing good mathematical abilities.
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Playing chess is an application of capability.
symptoms in children. Pepe Cuenca, a Spanish chess Grand Master
Researchers conducted numerous studies and civil engineer with a PhD in applied
Watu Kobese, an international chess on the relationship between chess and mathematics, summarises the relationship
master and instructor at Blue Frontier Path mathematics. One such study reveals that as follows:
Academy, says that "historically, chess has chess increases mathematical problem- • Chess encourages thinking skills of a
been looked at as a sport. But chess is much solving skills because: higher-order.
more than that – it is an aid for education. • Mathematics and chess are isomorphic • Interpretation of positions has a lot in
It helps learners understand how they fields; by playing chess, mathematical common with mathematical problems.
can use the concepts from chess in their theories are made less obscure and thus • It introduces a coordinates system and
academic and everyday life." more manageable. geometric concepts (files, rows, diagonals).
• A chess player must practise skills like • Chess demands continual calculation
"These concepts are revealed through the planning, abstract thought, calculation and promotes visual memory and spatial
nature of the game, the layout of the board, of variants, monitoring of strategies, and reasoning skills.
and the value of the pieces. Every piece is thoughts that are crucial for mathematical • And it increases the ability to predict and
worth a certain number of points. As players abilities. expect outcomes.
exchange pieces, they are calculating • A chess player recognises the triumphs
points using mathematics to gauge the and losses as a result of his selections So, if you want to help your child improve
effectiveness of their moves. However, it is on the board, the accuracy of which his or her mathematical skills, consider
not just a question of mathematical value, is proportionate to the method and enrolling them in a chess club in your area.

Fourways Gardens • 22 • March 2022