5 Benefits of Playing Chess

Have you ever considered playing chess to increase your brainpower? You should. Playing chess works different parts of your brain to help you develop and increase cognitive function.

You don't have to be an expert to receive the full benefits of it either. Read on to find out what parts of the brain are affected when you play a single game of chess.

Improves Concentration

Chess demands concentration. The more you play chess, the more you improve your concentration levels and memory power. Because of its complex rules, chess can help strengthen your memory recall as you try to avoid past mistakes or try to remember a certain move or playing style.

Develops Foresight

The prefrontal cortex plays a key role in cognitive control functions, such as rational thinking, decision making, and planning. Because chess requires strategic and critical thinking, playing often can help in the development of the prefrontal cortex, allowing you to make better, clearer choices.

Promotes Creativity

Playing chess activates both sides of your brain. The left side of your brain works to make logical moves while the right side of your brain works to figure out patterns and calculate your next moves.

Playing chess can increase your creativity as you make connections to those patterns and come up with ways to defeat your opponent by implementing divergent or creative thinking.

Improves Problem-Solving Skills

When playing chess, you have to think fast and pay attention to all of your opponent's moves. As the parameters of the game change, you must adapt your strategy. As you do, you're further developing your problem-solving abilities.

Builds Confidence

Chess can even help you build confidence. When you play chess, you're working to understand your strengths and weaknesses to make yourself better at the game. As you work through your weaknesses, you can begin to build more and more confidence as you continue to progress.

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