First Steps

Chess is a game for people of all ages.
You can learn to play chess at any age and, unlike in many other sports, you don't ever have to retire. Age is also not a factor when you're looking for an opponent - young can play old and old can play young.

Chess develops memory.
There is an abundance of chess theory and many players can memorize many different opening variations. You will also learn to recognize various patterns and remember lengthy variations.

Chess improves concentration.
During a chess game you remain focused on one main goal - to checkmate your opponent.

Chess develops logical thinking.
Chess requires an understanding of logical strategy. Good chess moves have logical ideas behind them. Chess Players also learn logical principles such as keeping the king safe at all times, to avoid weaknesses in your position and not to blunder pieces away, for free.

Chess promotes imagination and creativity.
Chess encourages you to be inventive. There are an indefinite amount of beautiful combinations yet to be constructed.

Chess teaches independence.
The decisions that chess players make are influenced only by their own judgment. A process which strengthens and develops independent thinking skills.

Chess develops the capability to predict and foresee consequences of actions.
It teaches you to look both ways before crossing the street.

Chess inspires self-motivation.
Chess encourages the search for the best plan and the best move, from endless possibilities.

Chess shows that success rewards hard work.
The more you practice, the better you'll become. You should be ready to lose and learn from your mistakes. One of the greatest players ever, Capablanca said, "You may learn much more from a game you lose than from a game you win. You will have to lose hundreds of games before becoming a good player."

Chess and Science.
Chess develops the scientific way of thinking. While playing, you generate numerous variations in your mind. You explore new ideas, try to predict their outcomes and interpret surprising revelations. You decide on a hypothesis, and then you make your move and test it.

Chess and Technology.
What do chess players do during the game? Just like computers they engage in a search for the better move in a limited amount of time. What are you doing right now? You are using a computer as a tool for learning.

Chess and Mathematics.
You don't have to be a genius to figure this one out. Chess involves an infinite number of calculations, anything from counting the number of attackers and defenders in the event of a simple exchange to calculating lengthy continuations. And you use your head to calculate, not a machine.

Chess and Research.
There are millions of chess resources out there for every aspect of the game. You can even collect your own chess library. In life, is it important to know how to find, organize and use boundless amounts of information. Chess gives you a perfect example and opportunity to do just that.

Chess and Art.
In the Great Soviet Encyclopedia chess is defined as "an art appearing in the form of a game". If you thought you could never be an artist, chess proves you wrong. Chess enables the artist hiding within you to come out. Your imagination will run wild with endless possibilities on the 64 squares. You will paint pictures in your mind of ideal positions and perfect outposts for your soldiers. As a chess artist you will have an original style and personality.

Chess and Psychology.
Chess is a test of patience, nerves, will power and concentration. It enhances your ability to interact with other people. It tests your sportsmanship in a competitive environment.

Chess improves schoolwork and grades.
Numerous studies have proven that children obtain a higher reading level, math level and a greater learning ability overall as a result of playing chess. For all those reasons mentioned above and more, chess playing kids do better at school and therefore have a better chance to succeed in life.

Chess opens up the world for you.
You don't need to be a high ranked player to enter big important competitions. Even tournaments such as the US Open and the World Open welcome players of all strengths. Chess provides you with plenty of opportunities to travel not only all around the country but also around the world. Chess is a universal language and you can communicate with anyone over the checkered plain.

Chess enables you to meet many interesting people.
You will make life-long friendships with people you meet through chess.

CHESS IS FUN!
A chess game does not repeat itself, which means you create more and more new ideas each game.