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Human brains are infinitely complicated machines. While neuroscience is rapidly advancing, a vast amount of brain activity remains mysterious. Your brain is a demanding organ, using 20% of your body's oxygen and blood and around 20% of your daily calories, despite being about 2% of your body weight. Here is what playing chess does to your brain.
Kids have a wide range of interest levels in activities, from the kid who goes to taekwondo simply because that’s where their parent drove them to the company dancer who takes every class. Chess is no different. If you have a kid who is mildly interested in chess, your approach should have a low intensity. If your kid can’t get enough, get them signed up for clubs and lessons right away.
By 1989, Judit’s ELO rating was 2555. She was the top female player in the world and was chasing open rankings. In December 1991, she obtained her final GM norm by winning the Hungarian National Championship. At 15 years, 4 months old, she broke GM Bobby Fischer’s record to become the youngest GM in history, male or female. She was the fourth female chess grandmaster in history.
Most people will not be good at chess when they first start playing, but they will see rapid improvement with study and regular play. This can be objectively measured by ratings or subjectively assessed by something like checkmating an opponent for the first time. What comes next is what makes chess a perfect growth mindset activity. You can continue to improve at chess for as long as you study and play.
Why are we talking about brain science in a chess blog? Simple, chess has all the elements scientists recommend to exercise your brain (and more). It’s even been shown to delay or prevent the symptoms of dementia. What can senior chess fans expect to gain from regular study and play?
Some chess current affairs are of such broad interest that the big news organizations widely report them. Championship matches, new records, and major scandals often break into everyday headlines. If you’re a regular consumer of news articles and broadcasts, you’ll probably catch most of the “big” stories about elite chess players. Many people have cut back on their consumption of big media news, though. How can you be sure you don’t miss a story?
Chess can help stave off “summer slide” by stimulating important skills like pattern recognition, focus, and short-term memory. Chess is more accessible than many activities for children for two reasons. One, it doesn’t require loads of expensive equipment and shoes to play. Two, chess is open to kids with physical or other challenges that make team sports or outdoor activities less possible or appealing. Adverse weather and heat waves won't affect chess camp like outdoor sports. Finally, chess is forever! People play chess throughout their lives, often coming back to it as adults. It’s a lifetime skill that lasts longer than those popsicle stick stars (which we also love, don’t get us wrong).
There is something inherent to the human condition that makes us think that, maybe, somehow, we missed our calling, and we could actually be a secret genius. A new chess player thinks they might have stumbled into their gift and could actually become a great chess player. The reality is that you are good enough to beat your friends and family, but becoming a grandmaster is incredibly difficult. But, is it impossible?
You can play free online chess in seconds, but choosing the right platform is harder. I tested every major site to see what actually works. This guide shows where you can play, learn, and improve f...
The World Chess Hall of Fame isn’t quiet or dusty. It’s bright, bold, and full of surprises — like a playable outdoor board, rotating exhibitions, and live music under chandeliers. Located in the heart of St. Louis, this museum makes chess feel alive. Here’s how to visit, what you’ll see, and why it matters.
Are you trying to increase attendance at your chess meets? Learn from the biggest chess clubs in the United States. Here's how you can let more chess players know about your chess club!
A chess genius is someone who has great proficiency over the game of chess, often at a young age. There have been few confirmed cases of a chess prodigy being diagnosed with savant syndrome. While the concept of a chess genius is exciting and simple to understand, in reality, it is significantly more complex and difficult. The extent to which a chess savant improves their skills is heavily influenced by their training and environment.
