Chess, a nerd's game?

International chess, nowadays, have been misunderstood and nicknamed as the "nerd's game" and only for the bookworms. However, chess is a very interesting game if you know how to play it. I am not an expert at chess but far from being a boring game, chess has alot of advantages to offer. I discovered that not too long ago when I won my first game and there after started to play chess day in and day out.

What are the advantages then?

As we all know, it helps in problem solving. In chess,you need to find out ways to overcome stumbling blocks. When I can't find someone to play with, I play chess with myself and I actually figured out different ways to counter certain moves or invent some potent moves all on my own. Without any doubt, it helps in problem solving.

Apart from that, it also helps in time management. Chess is a game that has a time limit of 10 mins for each player. In other words, the game must finish in 20 mins time when there is a check mate or when one of the players run out of time. Invariably, it helps in time management.

Last but not least, it boost creativity and ability to think on your feet. There are 1001 ways you can use a chess piece, even a puny pawn. When you are in the game, the battle is between your opponent and yourself. You think hard to outbeat your opponent, you even have to pre-empt his next move. Chess is all about thinking a few steps ahead and if your opponent makes an unexpected move, you have to think on your feet, and fast.

Interestingly, as I have realised, chess meets most of what our parents wants us to learn. So, instead of sending the child to Problem Solving courses, why not play chess? And instead of enrolling the child in creativity courses, why not play chess?

So if you have one free day with no tuition and homework, why not just pick up a chess board, set the pieces up and discover the magic of chess.