Playing chess is good for the brain

Playing chess regularly is good for the brain by increasing creativity and concentration, and improving memory.

A healthy diet, regular exercise, enough sleep, and maintaining social interactions are beneficial for the brain. Many studies also show that spending time participating in healthy recreational activities such as playing chess can keep the brain sharp and provide many other benefits.

Better planning skills

A 2006 study of 50 people at the University of Freiburg, Germany, showed that the group that regularly played chess demonstrated better planning skills than the group that did not play. Chess players spend more time making decisions during testing.

Enhance concentration ability

Playing chess requires extreme concentration. With many pieces on the board and at each turn, players must pay attention and avoid distractions. Practicing this subject regularly can make it easier for the brain to focus on tasks and goals in life, contributing to improved productivity and performance.

Improve memory

The brain remembers better because players have to remember chess positions, strategies and moves in the past, while predicting and making decisions this time. This is also a way to enhance short-term and long-term memory. In the long run, players benefit in many aspects of life, such as academic pursuits and career endeavors.

Increase creativity

A 2016 study of 100 6th grade students at Madras University, India, showed that a group of students who played chess scored higher on tests than a group who did not participate. Scientists concluded that this activity increases students' ability to practice creative and divergent thinking.

Prevents brain deterioration

Cognitive reserve is resistant to brain deterioration. Playing chess is good for the brain by challenging yourself to do well at chess games, thereby increasing the ability to build and strengthen neural connections, improving cognitive reserve.

Prevent memory loss

According to the University of Alicante, Spain, elderly people playing chess can reduce memory loss. Scientists evaluated 21 studies on the link between playing chess and dementia in older adults. They suggest that games that challenge memory, calculation, visual, spatial and thinking skills such as chess can reduce cognitive decline and delay memory loss with aging.

Reduce stress

Many studies show that chess stimulates the brain to produce the hormones dopamine and endorphins, which help reduce stress levels and improve mental health.

In addition, this subject also helps strengthen and improve the frontal lobe - the brain area that performs language and speech functions. This is very important as you get older because the frontal lobe is necessary for many daily tasks, but easily atrophies over time.