Page 21 - IFV_Issue 3_March_2022

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.

The Villager • Issue 3 2022 • 19