Checkmate: The winning move

THERE are three things I look forward to in the year: sembreak, Christmas break, and summer break. As a part-time educator, this means I also don’t have to go to school for a long time. Yey! If you think it’s only the kids who are excited, think again. Taking a hiatus from the class syllabus thrills teachers the most. Make no mistake about that!

These no class days personally give me a chance take my own kids somewhere to make fun memories. Right now, sembreak, my brain is on vacation mode and refuses to function at its optimal speed. I lamented in frustration to the universe that I have nothing to write about. Then out of the blue, my youngest, who just turned 6, tells me in his big voice that can rival an old man’s baritone: “Why don’t you write about how we play chess everyday?”

That got my mojo rolling...yes, why not? Chess is a mind game that every kid should be exposed to at some point in their life. With everyone now hooked on their gadgets, chess is a dying art. Slow, tactile, and simple board games such as chess, snakes n’ ladders, monopoly, or checkers have taken a backseat to elaborate, interactive apps. And if we adults allow these to die, shame on us!

Many studies indicate that young children have a huge capacity for learning. Their brains are like sponges, so it is easy for them to acquire various skills and abilities. If a child shows interest in chess at an early age, especially when he is exposed to it by seeing his elders play, then go right ahead and teach it. There are many benefits like:

Improves memory

Chess is one of the most powerful and most affordable educational tools to strengthen a child’s mind. They have to memorize the moves of the different characters: pawn, cavalry (horse), rook, bishop, queen, and king. Never underestimate your kids! My youngest showed interest when he was 4, and by the time he turned 5, he was able recall all the moves.

Fosters critical thinking

Kids have to think about their moves, and they also have to think about their opponent’s possible moves. Sometimes, they end up in a problematic place, which they have to solve. The game teaches them to select, analyze, and calculate what they feel is the best option, amongst many number of options. Most of all, it teaches children that every move has a possible consequence, which shall help them later on in their adult life.

Allows them to plan

This game introduces the concept of strategy. Hasty, impulsive decisions have an impact, so this encourages kids to think about advance moves to capture their opponent’s king. This challenges the normal way of only thinking about what is going to happen in the next few seconds. This shows children to look beyond the first move, but to also forecast about the impending future. And, of course, focusing on planning allows them to develop their level of concentration.

Teaches the concept of power and responsibility

The pawn can only move forward, the horse can jump a few squares, the bishop moves diagonally, the rook can glide from side to side, and the all powerful queen combines the moves of the rook and the bishop. As for the king, he can only move one square in any direction. Each piece has a significant role to play and sometimes, sacrifices have to be made for the greater good.

Promotes sportsmanship

All games will not be won. As tempting as it may be to always lose to my child, he has to learn how to handle defeat. Of course, no one likes losing but no one can possibly win all the games in life. I feel that the earlier my kid learns how to handle loss, disappointment, and frustration, the better he will fare in real life circumstances. The world, after all, will not always cater to our children.

Great bonding activity

My youngest son and I play this every night. It has really made for interesting conversation. I remember him asking why the king is not as powerful as the queen. “Boys are more powerful in real life, mom!” That led to a discussion on how women can also be strong. I told him in the game, the queen is powerful when it comes to movement, but even if she is captured, the game goes on. However, if the king is “checkmate”, the game stops. Both king and queen are equally powerful, they just have different strengths and responsibilities.

So, the next time your kid inquires about chess, don’t brush them off. Take the time to sit down and bond with your kid without the distractions of a gadget. Fan that spark of curiosity into a giant flame because chess is more than a humble board game. Besides, playing with your child is always a win-win situation!