Why Chess? If you've never played chess you might want to learn not only for the sake of your personal growth but also for your child. Children who play chess statistically do better in school. Some of the skills that children usually gain from playing chess is an increased ability to concentrate, reason, and think critically.

As head of the Chess and Checkers Club at my school, one thing I have always told the participants is that chess is a game of patience and thinking. It is not a game that one will learn overnight. It takes time to learn the intricacies of the game. In some cases students who started in the club not knowing how to play and who likewise had academic problems slowly began to have more success in class. After regular playing of the game (about 3 to 4 games a week) for 6 months you should notice an improvement in your child's concentration and thinking skills.

So what am I saying, go out to Toys 'R' Us and buy a chess board for $3.99? Yes! Chess is a fun an inexpensive way to help your child gain valuable cognitive skills and is also a great way for you to spend time with your child.

For more information on getting a chess club started in your child's school go to your youngster's principal and find out about the possibilities.


For information on learning how to play chess go to

Chess Kids
Learn to play chess with interactive lessons, quizzes, games, and puzzles
http://www.chesskids.com

Chess is Fun
Want to learn how to play chess? Want to learn how to play a bit better? Here are some fairly easy “lessons.”
http://www.princeton.edu/~jedwards/cif/intro.html

Written by Charles Mathison