Chess is an ancient game.
It goes back 1500 years. That’s much further back than urbanity, the Middle Age, and its precursor.
In a sense, chess is the world’s oldest “surviving” game.
And it survives for a reason. It’s a beautifully designed strategy game, with endless approaches to it.
World tournaments and careers have been built of it. And it’s often used to determine a person’s intelligence.
In a sense – it’s now a sport.
And You Should Adopt It.
It has many benefits.
We’ll mention those below. Check each one out, and decide whether chess is for you!
#1 – It’s Popular.
Chess clubs still exist. And so do people interested in the game.
Chess is a game anyone can play. You can have 14 year olds play against 70 year olds. And men/women can compete…
It’s also a game understood by all ethnicities.
There are no diverse rules for chess. The basics are the same, whether you play in Russia, India, Canada, or somewhere in Africa!
What This Means…
It’s an excellent way to develop a community. And the focal point is a game that stimulates the mind.
Speaking of that…
#2 – Chess Teaches You Problem Solving.
And it helps you do so under pressure.
How? If you play timed games, you can practice making complex decisions on the fly.
You learn how to think critically and direct resources when its gets tough. And that’s a skill you can translate to everyday life…
You can apply that to your work, school, planning, or dealing with emergencies!
#3 – Good Collector’s Hobby.
Interested in gathering chess sets and pieces?
Some people are. It’s an excellent substitute to gathering bottle caps and stamps.
Collect enough unique pieces, and you can make your own unique set. You can use that to play, or for decoration!
An Artwork.
It really is.
Many chess sets are designed specifically for collection. Their pieces are beautifully carved, using expensive wood (like mahogany).
And in special editions – don’t be surprised if expensive metals are used.
But this is only for hardcore collectors. If you’re already at that stage, then no need to read further!
#4 – Better Than Video Games.
At least it gets you outdoors. And, it’s live.
You can’t restart a chess game. You can’t flip the board if you feel things going south…
You need to continue through good and bad positions. In a sense, it’s a game that teaches you to accept and work on failures.
Good for Treating Addictions.
Video game addiction is real. And to quit that, you need alternatives.
You need small doses of another game that’s healthier. And chess fulfills that role quite well.
Because what other gaming alternatives are there? What other game can connect you to a healthy-minded crowd?
We assume few.
And speaking of healthy-mindedness…
#5 – Chess is a Civil Game.
Ruffians don’t play stress.
Kids screaming on their “Team Speak” don’t play it either.
Those who do are sober-minded and serious people. They’re individuals who use chess to sharpen their minds.
So you’re hanging out with the right crowd.
You’ll pick up many good habits from other players. You’ll learn calmness under pressure, respecting opponents, and being objective.
#6 – It’s Fun.
No game survives long if it loses its fun.
And chess is fun because it’s unpredictable. You never know what goes in a person’s head, or how they plan maneuvers.
In fact, you never know how a game can pan out. Even after you watch multiple moves…
This unpredictability leaves room for thought. And it always keeps player and watcher hooked!