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Today’s Child
MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS
ON THE CHESSBOARD
BY PROF KERSTIN JORDAAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT THE SOUTH AFRICAN MATHEMATICS FOUNDATION
The Netflix television series, laying chess from a young age helps children
develop problem-solving, relationship-building,
The Queen's Gambit, made chess Pand thinking skills. In addition, studies reveal that
popular again. The narrative plays chess players develop perspective, have improved memory,
out in 1950 and tells the story of a and increased intelligence. The game deepens focus,
young orphan girl and her unusual elevates creativity, and increases self-awareness. Scientists
talent for chess. found that the complex mental flexibility chess demands
could help protect older people from dementia. Likewise,
it reduces attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
symptoms in children.
Watu Kobese, an international chess master and instructor
at Blue Frontier Path Academy, says that "historically, chess has
18 • Issue 3 2022 • The Villager
