A growing number of educators and psychologists are advocating that children learn and play this board game to develop their creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Andrew John

The ancient game of chess is experiencing a new surge in popularity across the country, driven by the remarkable success of young Indian prodigies winning prestigious international titles. Among the exceptionally talented players making global headlines are Rameshbabu Vaishali, who scripted history in April by becoming the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament; Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa who defeated world champion Magnus Carlsen and won the FIDE Circuit 2025; and Dommaraju Gukesh, who created history in 2024 by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion after defeating #1-ranked Ding Liren. Their record-breaking achievements have inspired a new generation of children to take to this mentally demanding board game competitively. Moreover, the democratisation of chess through online learning platforms, livestreams and online tournaments, complemented by an expanding network of school chess clubs, academies and grassroots competitions, has accelerated the game’s popularity among children countrywide.

Internationally, chess is widely recognised as a competitive sport because it demands mental discipline, strategic thinking, and sustained concentration, not unlike physical sports, which demand endurance and skill. Competitive chess involves rigorous training, mental preparation, and psychological resilience. Unlike other board games that are determined by luck or chance, chess is skill-based. This makes it a contest of intellect, foresight, and adaptability, enhancing the development of creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Given these cognitive and emotional benefits, it’s unsurprising that a growing number of educators and psychologists are advocating that children learn and play chess from early age.

“Chess teaches children to think critically, evaluate multiple options before making a decision and remain calm under pressure. It also instils discipline, resilience and capability to learn from mistakes. These cognitive and emotional skills translate into improved academic performance, better focus in the classroom and greater confidence in coping with real-life challenges,” says Surya K, Senior national arbiter and founder of the Bengaluru-based Charvik Chess Academy.

Here are some major cognitive and emotional benefits of children learning and playing chess:

Improves concentration and focus. A game of chess can sometimes last for hours, requiring focused attention. Players need to remain focused to avoid blunders and capitalize on opportunities. High levels of sustained concentration trains the brain to block out distractions and remain engaged in tasks for extended periods. As a result, children who play chess develop sharp focus, enabling them to perform better in academics.

Develops problem-solving skills. Every chessboard position presents a new challenge that requires careful evaluation and strategic planning. Players learn to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable units and ideate efficient solutions. This structured approach to problem-solving equips children to apply it in real-life situations. It encourages critical thinking and ability to assess multiple outcomes before taking action.

Enhances cognitive functioning. Chess activates multiple areas of the brain, particularly those associated with memory (hippocampus), logical reasoning (prefrontal cortex), and decision-making (anterior cingulate cortex). When a player evaluates chessboard positions and anticipates an opponent’s moves, the brain is processing complex patterns. This significantly improves analytical thinking skills, essential for success in academics, especially in mathematics and science. “A student regularly practicing chess can calculate multiple moves ahead, similar to solving complex math problems step-by-step. Students who play chess often perform better in exams due to their improved focus and time management skills,” says Surya K.

Boosts memory and recall ability. Chessplay requires remembering opening moves, tactical patterns, and endgame strategies. This constant use of memory strengthens both short-term and long-term recall abilities. Children who play chess often demonstrate improved retention of information, particularly beneficial during exams. Additionally, recognizing familiar patterns on the board enhances quick thinking and reaction time.

Encourages patience and discipline. Success in chess doesn’t come instantly; it requires consistent practice, learning from mistakes, and maintaining composure under pressure. Players learn patience as they wait for the right moment to execute their strategies. This discipline translates into other areas of life, helping children remain committed to long-term goals and cope more effectively with setbacks.

Enhances creativity and imagination. While chess is logical, it also involves creativity in devising unique strategies and unexpected moves. Players often visualise multiple scenarios in their minds before making a decision. Such imaginative thinking develops innovation and originality, skills that are valuable not only in academics but also in future workplaces.

Improves patience and emotional control. Chessplay teaches children to remain calm while facing time pressure and difficult positions. It builds patience by rewarding long-term planning over quick reactions. Over time, this improves emotional control, helping children think clearly even in stressful academic and real-life situations.

“World over, a growing number of parents are recognising and using the power of chess to stimulate children’s cognitive and reasoning skills, and improve their memory and focus,” says Surya.