Is chess a simple board game that can help you pass your time? Or is there more to it than being nothing other than a utility for entertainment? Most of you would probably assume that it may seem like a game with no benefits other than enjoying your free time. Well, this thought is quite contrary to reality. It has numerous advantages in distinct areas, and in this article, I’ll be discussing those. So, without further ado, let’s get started with this list of the top 5 benefits of playing chess!
Helps you discover your personality:
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While there are dozens upon dozens of benefits of playing chess, for example, improving memory, let’s start with a comparatively not so obvious one. Chess is a dynamic and complicated game. It has innumerable combinations and positions to play; therefore, it has just about enough playing styles to suit anyone’s needs. Being such a rich game, you can choose to play an offensive, defensive, positional, tactical, aggressive, and reserved game. Each of these playing styles can essentially reflect your personality and give you an idea about who you are. For example, if you like to play offensively, then you love taking risks. If you prefer playing defensively, then you’re more cautious and careful about your decisions. In this way, how you move each piece can be a good indicator of your character.
Helps you discover your personality:
Improves memory:
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Now let’s move on to a more practical benefit. It comes as no surprise to some people that chess can help enhance your memory. How does that happen? Well, having to memorize thousands of winning positions to get close to mastering the game takes quite some space in your mind. Moreover, getting familiar with particular patterns and using them in certain situations also tests your memory. Other than this, having an opening repertoire is essential to help facilitate your games. In a nutshell, you need to use your memory to consider mastering this game, and by doing so, you improve your memorization skills. Indeed, one of the great benefits of playing chess.
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Increases creativity:
Being such a rich and dynamic game, you can’t rely on positions and a combination of moves that you’ve memorized to always come to your aid. Sometimes, you have to exert yourself to think of complicated combinations on the spot. You’ll often find yourself in difficult situations. An example of this is a position in which your situation seems hopeless, and you have to find a way to defend yourself. Other than this, you could find yourself in a drawn position, but there are a few sets of moves to help convert the game to a situation that can increase your winning chances. All of this tests and strengthens your creativity.
Adds to your decision-making skills:
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Chess is a game where there are billions of combinations to choose from on every move. Furthermore, while trying to find the best strategies and tactical advantages for yourself, you also need to consider what your opponent has in mind. To add to this, you sometimes have to make risky decisions under time trouble as well. All of this assists you in one aspect; it enriches your decision-making skills. Though, you could have the thought, “but this will improve my decision-making skills only in chess”. While this may be somewhat true, this is not the complete picture. Yes, constantly making decisions in chess will strengthen this skill when required in the game. However, managing the nervousness you face while trying to make a decision, building the ability to organize yourself while under stress, and maintaining composure in hopeless situations are abilities that are applicable in real life. Therefore, developing the ability to make decisions in chess will also reward you with benefits in the real world.
Helps in protection against certain diseases:
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In contrast to the first benefit, we end this list with a much more practical one. One of the significant benefits of playing chess is its effectiveness in preventing certain illnesses. One of the diseases it’s handy in preventing is dementia. A 2019 research review showed that people who played chess had a lower chance of developing dementia in old age. Overall, using different areas of the brain while playing chess slows down cognitive decline later in life. Now tell this to someone who thinks chess is nothing but a waste of time.
With this, I conclude this list of the top 5 benefits of playing chess. If chess is something you enjoy, free online chess at coolmathgames.com a spectacular site where you can play chess with random people. It provides the best experience with minimal ads. In addition, you can choose from various time formats. Moreover, it’s up to you whether you want to be black or white in any game you play, an option not available on many sites. Finally, with an elegant board and pieces, an enjoyable time is guaranteed.
Click on the following link if you want to go and play chess right now!
