Page 37 - SilverLakes_Issue 2_2022

TODAY’S CHILD

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

INTRAMUROS MARCH 2022 | 35