Does Playing Chess Improve Mental Health?

People who play chess are often thought to be smarter and uniquely gifted. Chess can improve brain functions and even help patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Before the internet and video games, people used to enjoy their free time playing different types of board games. Chess has stood the test of decades, and its popularity has never faded. It is not just for kids but a serious game that challenges your opponent by using varying strategies of defence, evasion, marching forward, attacking, etc. to win the game. This is why some people also call it a war game, while others refer to it as a great workout for the brain.

A chess player is considered smarter than the average person because he or she enjoys logical thinking, is a mathematical genius, and is uniquely gifted. Chess is a strategy game where you need to follow your intuition to defeat your opponent. Involving the brain in playing chess directs the brain towards thinking critically, planning, moving strategically, etc. It is more than just another diversion; it is a boost to activate the brain cells. There are various other aspects of chess that have proven helpful in improving brain functions and mental health.

Disclaimer: All content in this post is for general health information only. Please consult a specialist physician before trying any new exercise, diet, or health advice. There are no affiliate links attached to this post. 

A short history of chess

There are mixed theories about the history of chess. Some historians say that it originated in China. Some say that Persians used to play chess and brought it to different parts of the world on their voyages. One theory that appeals to me is that chess originated in India. The reason for that is its mention in the Vedas and many Hindu religious texts.

“The name ‘Chess’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Chaturanga’ meaning ‘four limbs’. ‘Chaturanga’ refers to the four main members of the Indian army. They are chariots, elephants, cavalry and infantry. The conventional Two-Handed game of ‘Chaturanga’, is quite similar to the Persian board game ‘Chatrang’. There is a Four-Handed game in India, also called by experts as ‘Chaturaji’ (meaning ‘Four Kings’).”

“The word Ashtapada is a Sanskrit term describing the eight-by-eight board on which many ancient Indian games were played. Often, the board presents several cross-cut squares which signify various steps and levels in the game. The game of Chaturanga, emerged sometime around the 6thcentury in India, was also played on the 8×8 board, i.e. Ashtapada.”

“Chess, as we know it today, was born out of the Indian game Chaturanga before the 600s AD. The game spread throughout Asia and Europe over the coming centuries, and eventually evolved into what we know as chess around the 16th century.”

Benefits of playing chess

Every game is played to defeat an opponent. In chess, however, the playground is a set that is equally divided into a number of squares to be played in. Within that framework, there are specific moves that each game piece can make to move forward, backward, or sideways to checkmate the opponent’s game piece and win the game. The rules are so precise that they make chess an engaging and challenging game. Chess works like a stimulant that nudges the brain cells to find their way to win the game.

“The reality of chess is different – it actually is an incredibly beneficial pastime, because playing chess results in better brain function, improved memory and cognitive abilities, strategic thinking, attention improvement, and even help prevent dementia.”

CHESS IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION

The game of chess requires a person to look at a checkered board, identify different pieces and their objectives, and intuitively understand the opponent’s next move. All this information is collected in the right hemisphere of the brain and is called “pattern recognition.” The player needs to analyse and calculate different strategies and levels, and apply logic to not only defend but also move forward, which is called “object recognition” and dealt with by the left hemisphere of the brain. Thus, playing chess regularly develops both sides of the brain.

CHESS AIDS PATIENTS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE 

Chess is played and enjoyed by people of all ages. While old age limits the physical activity of a person, chess has proved helpful in keeping the brain cells active. There are many chess players who, in their old age, may forget a lot of things but still remember the different strategies of chess. Alzheimer’s disease, in which a person slowly loses his memory, can be delayed by playing chess. Over time, chess players remember their best tactics to win a game. The more you exercise your brain, the better it functions, just like any other muscle.

CHESS AIDS IN BRAIN GROWTH

Playing games is not just for fun or distraction. Board games can be educational and useful for learning, especially chess. Strategic and logical thinking can be improved by playing chess. Children who like to play chess develop problem-solving skills. This can then be applied to other subjects that a child learns in school. Chess also improves concentration levels and attention span.

CHESS IMPROVES COGNITIVE ABILITY

Creativity and innovation are required in every field. Understanding the rules of the game of chess is not enough. Planning creatively and thinking out of the box makes the game of chess interesting. Constantly trying to think ahead is just one way to engage cognitive abilities. Learning anything is a special skill and playing chess helps in thinking smartly and efficiently. 

Improving mental health by playing chess

While the above-mentioned benefits are ones that any person can gain from playing chess, mental health encompasses something more than that. People who overthink, procrastinate, are artists with terrible mood swings, have ADHD, bipolar disorder, and many other sensitive psychological challenges can be treated by playing chess.

• Chess is a two-person game, but it can also be played solo. The idea may seem boring, but it is a wonderful way to understand your own game better. You are not playing to defeat your opponent but to improve your skills. It is a wonderful way to understand your own thinking pattern. It is like playing with your mirror image and therefore reflecting on the impact your actions have on others, whether in a game or in real life.
• Chess can be played online and is therefore less intimidating for introverts. Technology has renewed interest in many board games by bringing them online. Simply sit in front of your laptop and play online with your opponent anonymously.
• Chess, unlike exercise, focuses on working your brain rather than your body. It is critical to move every day in order to improve one’s mood, but while playing chess, you stay engaged, work your brain, and improve your health.
• Chess is also a great stress reliever. By distracting your mind and focusing on a game of chess, your attention diffuses the negative stream of thoughts. Because you are constantly engaging your brain in problem-solving skills while playing chess, you are assisting your brain in developing the same habit for use in everyday life.

• Playing chess also brings clarity of mind. The simple method of removing all distractions that are a hurdle in your journey to win is like playing a video game. It’s also like clearing out your desk of unnecessary items or removing toxic people from your life. The clearer the path, the easier it becomes to move through the chessboard and life.
• All games are based on winning and defeating an opponent. In chess, it requires strategic moves to win the game. There is no escape from a chessboard other than to predict the moves of your opponent. There is no other way to move forward unless you defeat the opponent’s piece. Playing a game of chess activates those brain cells that may have felt defeated by constant bullying and abuse. By playing chess, you are making your brain stronger and putting your life back on track.
• Chess requires a lot of self-control without faltering, even when you feel that your opponent is stronger. Every move can change the game. Therefore, playing chess makes you more resilient. Rather than giving up, you try to understand the logic behind things. The speed of your opponent may intimidate you, but you have the same opportunity to think before you make a move. Your actions are your skills.
• School learning gives you the tools for learning, but learning how to learn is a special skill. This is where chess helps students. As a beginner, you may have the tools, but learning how to use those tools precisely is what you can learn from playing chess. 
• In chess, you should know your own strengths and weaknesses as well as those of your opponents. Chess improves your focus, and to think of the next move, you need to calm your mind. You are constantly aware of your brain working out a solution by getting frustrated, planning, calculating, re-thinking strategy, etc. You learn to have more faith in your skills as well as in your intuition. In this way, chess also helps you fight your own inner demons.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Mental health is a sensitive subject that we have all faced during lockdown. Our brain harbours negative thoughts such as insecurity and fear of the unknown. Chess redirects negative thoughts to positive ones by engaging and challenging the brain in a playful manner. It is a wonderful workout for the brain that can be played by anyone. It is a perfect indoor game for the winter. But it can also be a friend in need, reminding us of our strengths and skills, and therefore should be recommended along with therapy.

References

Chess – An Indian masterpiece

https://www.hinduscriptures.com/vedic-sciences/chess-an-indian-masterpiece/27439/

The Mental Health Benefits of Chess

https://www.healthyoptions.com.ph/newsdigest/coffee-lovers-know/the-mental-health-benefits-of-chess