Chess was invented in the 6th century, it is just as relevant today as it was in the courts of Indian kings then. Chess today is a massive sport and has been for decades, with players becoming icons, and carving themselves a place in chess history. Chess could be argued to be the greatest game ever created, it’s a test of skill and intelligence, but that doesn’t mean it’s hard to get into. That being said, here’s why you should play chess.
Here are the benefits of chess, first, chess can help you think. And I know that sounds weird, but studies show that playing chess will help develop your mind, improve critical thinking, planning, and strategy. Chess is also a microcosm of life, meaning the way you think about chess can also be used to think about life.
Third, chess is social. If you want to make friends, chess is a shockingly good way to do it. Playing a game of chess is a good way to get to know someone if you just ask to play a game, suddenly you’ve just spent a half-hour or more talking to them while you play. Now you know that person. You can also join a chess club and find a community there. Fourth, and most importantly, chess is incredibly fun. I wish I could explain it here but to tell what I’m saying you’re actually going to have to play a round because I can’t find a way, after a lot of thought, to explain it.
How to start? First, get ahold of a set, then find someone to teach you. Finding someone to teach you may sound daunting but it isn’t. Just ask someone if you see them playing. While many chess players are violently competitive, chess players are usually surprisingly nice when you engage with their hobby. If you can’t find someone to play with and want to play online you can make an account on http://www.chess.com/ and practice/play there.
Chess makes you smarter, makes you friends, and most importantly, is objectively fun. It’s no chore or assignment, it’s just a fun game you can play with others. Chess changed my life, in the 8th grade I founded the Junior High Chess Club and formed a community of chess players that persists to this day in the Junior High. I run it in absentia. No matter how you feel right now, play a game of chess! Trust me, you will enjoy it. Thank you for reading, if you’d like to suggest a different hobby for an editorial just email me at [email protected].
