By John Chess is widely hailed as the ultimate game of strategy, and it is arguably the most famous game worldwide. Said to have originated in the 15th century, chess has garnered immense popularity across countries and cultures over the ages.
To this day, it remains remarkably relevant as a game that perfectly encompasses all aspects of strategic thinking. Mikhail Botvinnik, the renowned world champion of chess, once famously stated, “if the music was an art that illustrates the beauty of sound, then chess was an art that illustrates the beauty of logic.”
Chess is a game that has influenced cultures. It is also widely regarded as a game connecting several academic fields, such as mathematics, computer science, and psychology.
Chess can be played just about anywhere as all that is required to play the game is the space two people need to sit comfortably with a chessboard between them.
It is played by people of all ages and backgrounds at locations as diverse as living rooms, public parks, clubs, classrooms, libraries, plazas, onboard trains and flights, and even online.
The Advent of Online Chess
The advancement of technology in recent years has made it possible for people to play chess online.
Given that numerous chess applications are available for Android and iOS devices, it is easier than ever to play chess on one’s electronic devices, be it on a mobile phone or a tablet.
Needless to say, playing chess online is a great deal of fun, and it is intellectually stimulating as well.
However, over the last two years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people playing chess online. This rapid spike in the total number of online chess players can be attributed to the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced people from all over the world to stay home to minimize infection.
As a result, people took to playing games online as a means to pass the time as well as to find some form of entertainment.
Additionally, playing games online served as a way to keep in touch with family and friends. It is no surprise that chess was one of the games that witnessed exceptional growth during the pandemic years.
Even as the world slowly returns to life as it used to be, the popularity of online chess remains undiminished. For the sake of completeness, it only needs to be said that playing chess is highly beneficial for everyone.
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What are the Advantages of Playing Online Chess?
The advantages of playing chess are many. Read on and discover how online playing chess can help you!
1. Increases Intelligence
Chess is an intellectually challenging game. Success in chess entails analytical, strategic, and calculated thinking. Playing chess stimulates the brain, and scientific research has shown that playing the game regularly leads to a significant increase in intelligence.
A study conducted on students from Venezuela discovered a notable improvement in their IQ scores after having played chess for over four months.
2. Stimulates both Hemispheres of the Brain
It has been shown from several studies that to become a good chess player, a person must develop both their brain hemispheres. The left hemisphere of the brain deals with object recognition, and the right hemisphere of the brain deals with pattern recognition.
Playing chess regularly will help to exercise both hemispheres of the brain, and in turn, this will result in a more significant part of the brain being used for thinking. In other words, playing chess is an excellent exercise for both the analytical and creative sides of the brain.
3. Helps to Improve Memory
There is no surprise that chess players have an outstanding memory. This is because they need to remember a lot of information such as chess positions, the moves made by the opponent, tactics from previously played games, and many other things.
Additionally, playing chess requires a player to keep in mind many combinations of moves and the potential outcomes of each.
4. Improves Creativity
As mentioned previously, chess is a game that stimulates both hemispheres of the brain.
The right hemisphere of the brain is the one that deals with creativity, and playing chess helps to encourage lateral thinking, innovation as well as out-of-the-box approaches to a problem, and this becomes a useful skill while figuring out ways to outwit and defeat one’s opponent.
5. Enhances Problem Solving Skills
Problem-solving skills are beneficial in essentially every area of life. Chess is a game that can accurately be described as a puzzle that keeps changing instantaneously.
When faced with such a dynamic situation, the brain is compelled to adapt to the new situation and develop a solution based on the new information obtained due to the change.
Playing chess will improve problem-solving skills and make a person a better decision-maker.
6. Boosts Concentration and Focus
Chess is a game that requires a tremendous amount of focus and deep concentration. No player can afford to get distracted in chess because if their chain of thought gets disrupted, it could make the difference between winning and losing.
Playing chess helps boost a person’s concentration, situational awareness, and attention span.
7. It has the Potential to Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.
In a study published by The New England Journal of Medicine, it was observed that people over the age of 75 who play chess regularly are at a considerably lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Just like physical exercise is essential to keep the body fit, exercising the brain helps keep it fit. Playing chess helps to maintain the efficiency of the brain and contributes to preventing a loss of brain power.
Is Playing Online Chess Safe?
Having covered some of the numerous advantages of playing online chess, the one crucial question remains. Is it safe to play chess online?
The short answer is yes. Just as it is safe to play chess in real life on a chessboard, playing chess online on a mobile phone or tablet is just as safe.
Chess apps downloaded from trusted sites or platforms have security features to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Well-known platforms provide good communities for chess players to interact and compete with one another. They also take all necessary steps to ensure users’ privacy and information security.
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Conclusion
Chess is a beautiful game that offers a host of benefits. Moreover, chess is an enjoyable way to spend time with family and friends.
It is intellectually demanding and highly thrilling, and it will go a long way in helping to keep you mentally fit.