Has Playing Chess made you smarter?

Question

Has Chess effected the way you think in a positve manner. Have you become smarter? Have you become more patient? Please share your story.

Answer 1

Interesting question. One of the world's top female chess players, Susan Polgar, is currently leading an effort to make chess a part of school curriculum in the US...(as it is in russia I beleive)...because of the correlation between chess achievement and other academic achievements. But in my view, I think if you pursue any endeavor that involves some sort of thinking (crossword puzzles, literati, math problems, logic problems etc.) you will quickly build a sort of "mental alertness" and self esteem (especially if you are successful). So its not just chess. Personally, after I play a game of chess my mind feels like it had a great workout ...I feel mentally strong ...almost refreshed. I think its because I am able to zone out the world and just focus on the board...not worry about the hustle and bustle of the real world! So I wish you luck in your chess endeavors and look up the sicilian defense, the best defense in chess!

Answer 2

My grandpa taught me how to play chess. I think the game teaches people to strategize and not be so impulsive. You have to think about your move, then every possible move your opponent could do, then how you can retaliate, etc. It definitely teaches you patience. I don't know if "smarter" is a good word for it though. People who play chess have the reputation for being geniuses/nerds/etc. but I think if anyone has the desire to learn the game, they can. It is definitely an intellectual game, but mostly because of strategizing.

Answer 3

It made me stronger and I felt more intelligent for awhile and taught my children. But then I finally played my husband and found out he must have been letting me win. He began to win every time and I will not play with him again because it is futile and I need to concentrate on other strengths in my life.
(Sore loser or pragmatist?)

Personally, I believe chess can Bring Out your intelligence. I would put it that way. It is exercise for your cognitive processes and can sharpen your mind as good books can also do. So when you come over you can play chess with my husband while I read a good book. You are welcome.

Answer 4

I play chess for 9 years and I play chess professionaly for 5 years I am the second in my country (Iran), and I study in NODET school, a school for exceptional talents!

Answer 5

Hmm, don't know if smarter is the right word, but it has helped me as it's a good way to learn that every decision has it's own downsides and upsides and it forces you to weight the two, it also makes you think in advance and check your options constantly, atleast that's my opinion.

Answer 6

It is an intellectual game of stratagy. Not random like video games or even other board games. So, it can improve the individual who devotes time to understanding and mastery of the game. I find it relaxing and stimulating when I have a worthy opponent.

Answer 7

chess is perplexing and additionally you will possibly be able to desire to clever(aka nerdi to a pair human beings) to wanna play it each and every of the tiime. Yah and the gangsta factor aint working for ya. dont over do it. no offence! =D

Answer 8

It just makes me feel really stupid, because I don't understand it at all. But from what I have seen it sure looks like it teaches people patience, and to actually think things through. I think I'll stick with checkers!
Cheers!
:]

Answer 9

I don't know if it's made me smarter, but it's certainly made me more focused and more patient.

Answer 10

No. It made me humble when a 6 year old beat me. I quit after that.