We love playing chess in our family! It’s something that has been enjoyed with most of the kids throughout their lives and continues to be a go-to game with our middle son. That’s why when my partner saw that we had some wood, and that people were buying our King & Queen signs for their desk she thought, “wait, can you make a chess set?”
So I set off to find a way to make a chess set for you so that you can experience all of the benefits that playing chess brings to a family. This chess set is made out of reclaimed wood sourced right here in New Hampshire.
We do hope that you enjoy reading more about the benefits and history of chess, and then consider purchasing our most recent Oak Chess Board that features laser engraved maple and walnut chess pieces.
Oak Chess Board | Maple and Walnut Pieces
Awesome quality laser engraved made in USA hardwood Chess Set
Benefits of Chess
Chess is great for improving focus. It trains the mind to think strategically while taking in more information about the pieces on the board. Playing chess also increases memory function by over 20% which includes long term memory up to 24 hours later.
Chess helps increase problem solving skills while also teaching the importance of making decisions and using logic. Over 100 academic studies have shown that playing chess can reduce anti-social behavior, which is why 30% of our school districts require their school age children to play chess in physical education class or during recess.
The benefits of playing chess stretch beyond academics. It has been proven to increase self-esteem and self-confidence as well as teach environmental awareness, social skills, and how to be a good sport at the same time you learn to win and lose graciously.
History of Chess
The game of chess has been around for centuries, first invented in India and then altered by various cultures over time. The pieces were known as chatrang before they changed their names to resemble English royalty during medieval Europe’s rule on the sport–this is where we get terms like “king” or “queen.”
The game was not always played on a checkered board with squares. Before the game was created in India, many other countries used an 8×8 grid or even circular boards with stones. Subsequently, different cultures had different rules about the game, and it wasn’t until the 16th century that they began to standardize the rules. This is when we start seeing chess sets on a checkered board with 16 pieces per side.
Today, there are more than 500 million people who play chess regularly according to World Chess. In fact, it’s been said that because of its popularity in countries like India, Russia, and China–chess is thought to be a universal language.
What are benefits that the family can derive from playing chess?
It is a proven fact that chess helps in developing brain and memory, and it has been known to help children with ADHD. Children who play chess also develop quick-thinking skills and concentration.
Chess players tend to be more open to new ideas, considerate of others’ feelings, non-violent, and take up challenges constructively. The game encourages children to develop patience. It also helps them become good decision makers even in complicated situations, thus helping them improve their critical thinking skills.
Chess has also been known to enhance children’s problem-solving ability and improve their logical reasoning skills, which are necessary for higher level math concepts. They learn how to analyze problems, think of multiple solutions quickly, and improve their concentration to stay focused for longer periods of time.
Chess helps students become more attentive, creative, and reflective individuals who can think in abstract terms. They learn to think not just about today but also the future consequences of certain actions they take. It teaches them how to deal with losses or defeat gracefully as well as be a good winner.
What are the benefits of playing chess for adults?
As an adult, you can derive quite a number of benefits from playing chess. It helps improve your memory and concentration to help in studying and learning new material.
As an adult, you can also use the strategies you learn when playing chess in your day-to-day life. You can apply them to learning new skills like learning a new language or taking up a musical instrument. It will help increase your problem-solving skills and teach you how to make smart choices under pressure.
Chess will help you become more strategic, which will make it easier to make better decisions at work too. You may even be able to get ahead in your career! There are many different jobs available that require the use of critical thinking skills.
Many companies also take into consideration an employee’s ability to think strategically when they decide who gets hired. If you are able to demonstrate this skill through your chess game, it can give you a leg up in the application process.
Get started boosting your skills with our chess set today! Shop our store for the latest products so that you can start enjoying some quality time together as a family. Our mission is always to help spread joy, laughter, and encourage many memory-making moments for everyone in the world.