Checkmate!
Ivory Westerbaan | September 17, 2026
Chess is a game of strategy.
At least that’s what most people say. At eight years old, though, my brain wasn’t at the level of planning complex moves. Instead, I loved taking the opponent by surprise by moving a random piece.
This tactic occasionally worked in my favor. Other times by such decisions, I just stabbed myself in the foot. This game of betrayal, moves, and counter moves has always had a place in my heart. But what if I told you that by playing this intricate game you’re actually gaining something?
Chess helps with problem solving; tight situations within the game can also help build critical thinking in everyday life.
Chess stops early stages of dementia by helping you remember where someone moved, and chess tactics help exercise your memory. It builds patience because it can take a while for someone to take their turn. Creativity is built by the ability to come up with ideas and execute them.
All of this will only be gained if you play it right. The way eight-year-old me was playing, without thinking through my moves, would not help with problem solving. You need to put something into the game to gain anything of importance from it.
I hope today this article inspired you to make your move and check your chess-playing skills today.