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Today’s Child
















                                                             of benefits, which teaches them about the changing nature
                                                             of value. This understanding of value can then be related to
                                                             different aspects of life."
                                                               Chess is based partially on a range of mathematical
                                                             elements. In essence, it is a game that requires players to apply
                                                             skills that exceed the mere calculation of variations. Playing
                                                             chess is an application of capability.
                                                               Researchers conducted numerous studies on the relationship
                                                             between chess and mathematics. One such study reveals that
                                                             chess increases mathematical problem-solving skills because:
                                                               •  Mathematics and chess are isomorphic fields; by playing
                                                                chess, mathematical theories are made less obscure and
                                                                thus more manageable.
                                                               •  A chess player must practise skills like planning, abstract
                                                                thought, calculation of variants, monitoring of strategies,
                                                                and thoughts that are crucial for mathematical abilities.
                                                               •  A  chess  player  recognises  the  triumphs  and  losses  as  a
                                                                result of his selections on the board, the accuracy of which
                                                                is proportionate to the method and the efforts of the player
                                                                himself.  This is thought to improve the empowerment
                                                                of  the  player  and,  consequently,  the  belief  in  his  own
                                                                capabilities.
                                                               •  The chess player becomes mindful of the need for sustaining
                                                                attention, directed to both the simple components
                                                                of the game and to the analytic relationship between
                                                                elements; attention that is already probably present in the
                                                                participant, but that the natural environment and habits
                                                                tend to diminish.
                                                               •  And  chess  is  a  fun  and  fulfilling  activity  that  stimulates
                                                                children to play more. In other words, chess gets a ‘virtuous
                                                                circle’ started.  This circle can also be instrumental in
                                                                developing good mathematical abilities.
                                                               Pepe  Cuenca,  a  Spanish  chess  Grand  Master  and  civil
                                              IMAGE: MICHAL VRBA, UNSPLASH
                                                             engineer with a PhD in applied mathematics, summarises the
           been looked at as a sport. But chess is much more than that   relationship as follows:
           – it is an aid for education. It helps learners understand how   •  Chess encourages thinking skills of a higher-order.
           they can use the concepts from chess in their academic and   •  Interpretation  of  positions  has  a  lot  in  common  with
           everyday life."                                      mathematical problems.
             "These concepts are revealed through the nature of the   •  It introduces a coordinates system and geometric concepts
           game, the layout of the board, and the value of the pieces. Every   (files, rows, diagonals).
           piece is worth a certain number of points. As players exchange   •  Chess demands continual calculation and promotes visual
           pieces, they are calculating points using mathematics to   memory and spatial reasoning skills.
           gauge the effectiveness of their moves. However, it is not just a   •  And it increases the ability to predict and expect outcomes.
           question of mathematical value, since value during the game   So, if you want to help your children improve their
           is not absolute. In the same way, value in life is not absolute.   mathematical skills, consider enrolling them in a chess club in
           Sometimes players exchange points for an equivalent amount   your area.


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