Why Chess Players Should Know About The Prefrontal Cortex

Chess tests your brain to the fullest. Some of us are drawn to chess because it tests our limits. Chess is a very complicated game. But what is it really testing? Chess is really a test for the brain. While we are playing chess we are engaging in some form of language, or communication, if I may, with our opponent; however, it gets more complicated than that. For example, we are trying to interpret (by using language) what our opponent is doing by figuring out his or her method of taking our pieces or setting up for checkmate. So, surely we "compensate". But what is really happening inside of our brains that makes this possible? I will tell you: Language works in conjunction with both the temporal and frontal lobe and memory is also involved based on our learning from our losses. The frontal lobe helps us to make decisions i.e., it helps us solve problems. Does anyone see where I am going with this? Checkmate. Often in chess the problem is to get to the King, and try as he or she might, your opponent is doing everything in their power to not make this possible. Chess often involves what most scientists call "complex cognitive behavior", and the "executive" part of the brain responsible for this is the Prefrontal Cortex. Therefore, the Prefrontal Cortex, based on our internal goals, (in this case checkmate) helps us to put our thoughts and actions together. What we are left with is a decision making process. And based on how good our opponent is, that either works out or it does not. We should not be mad about our losses, rather, we should hope to learn from them. The Prefrontal Cortex is also responsible for determining good and bad moves, better and best moves etc. It occurred to me that I should write this when I saw the new analysis "brilliant, best move, excellent, good, book, inaccuracy, mistake, blunder, missed win". What is missing from this list? Forced move, although it is covered in the new analysis. The Prefrontal Cortex is also responsible for calculating future outcomes based on current activities, and this is a very important concept in chess. Working toward a defined goal is also important i.e., at some point we must decide if we should take pieces, improve our position or go for checkmate (prediction of outcomes). Well, I hope you have enjoyed this blog.