The game of chess as we know, was invented in the Indian subcontinent more than a millennium ago. You don’t need to be a brain doctor to understand that playing chess is an activity which extensively uses your intellect. Playing chess is believed to have affected our brain power in positive ways. People who play chess regularly have been observed to display certain mental skills in a better way as compared to people who are not familiar with this game. Although the positive effects of playing chess are not restricted to age however like any other exercise benefits of playing chess for kids are prolific.
Following points will discuss certain exemplary benefits of playing chess for kids:

1. Memorizing and focusing skills

This is undoubtedly a benefit which will be advocated by anyone who has ever been associated to chess in one or another way. The very basic qualities utilized and enhanced during a chess game are your power to concentrate on the chessboard and remember the moves. Early exposure to chess and regular playing will help your child’s concentration and memory skills improve considerably. This will not just make her a better chess player but enhanced skills will definitely provide her an edge over the others academically.

2. I.Q and mathematical skills

These skills are developed at a very early age and it is important to let your child indulge in activities which utilize the section of brain which controls I.Q and mathematical skills. Playing chess brings such attributes of human brain at disposal which eventually increases the Intelligent Quotient of human brain. Contemplating an opponent’s moves and creating your own strategy during a chess game helps in the improvement of mathematical and logical skills. Prolonged exposure to this game will boost the overall mental development of your child.

3. Critical thinking and creativity

This is one of most long term benefits of playing chess for kids. A game of chess is to be played with constant speculation and decision making. The habit of anticipating the opponent’s possible moves and resisting those moves with your own choices is very helpful in inculcating critical decision making qualities in your child. Also, besides critical thinking playing chess is believed to activate the section of the brain which controls creativity. While playing your child is motivated to bring original moves which are generated out of original thoughts.

4. Verbal and Comprehension skills

These are probably the most underrated benefits of playing chess for kids. Surprisingly a game which involves logical thinking and reasoning also improves your child’s orating and reading skills. Although you wouldn’t find a direct connection between these qualities and the nature of a chess game but the aforementioned benefits have been documented as extremely helpful in developing other academic skills. The children who regularly play chess are found to be better at communicating their views and they understand their surrounding well.
These benefits of playing chess prove that introducing your child to chess will ensure a more pragmatic and commendable future for her.