does chess improve problem solving

Most people think playing chess makes you ‘smarter’, but the evidence isn’t clear on that

PhD Student, University of Southern Queensland

Researcher, University of Southern Queensland

Senior Lecturer (Foresight) and Director; Professional Studies, University of Southern Queensland

Disclosure statement

Graeme Gardiner, now retired, who has recently completed his Masters Research degree at the University of Southern Queensland, is a former President of the Australian Chess Federation (1999-2003) and founder and former owner of Gardiner Chess (2001-2015). He was also a staff member at Somerset College, where the main study was carried out, from 1989-2001. Graeme does regular voluntary work at the college, and occasional paid duties at inter-school chess tournaments.

Gail Ormsby and Luke van der Laan do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of Southern Queensland provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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Chess has long been an important part of school culture. Many people believe chess has a range of cognitive benefits including improved memory, IQ, problem solving skills and concentration.

But there is very little evidence supporting these conclusions. We conducted two studies (still unpublished) that found educators and parents believe chess has many educational benefits. But children in our study who played chess did not show significant improvements in standardised test scores compared to children who didn’t play.

Read more: If machines can beat us at games, does it make them more intelligent than us?

Most people think chess improves learning

The first study looked at the perceptions of educators and parents regarding the benefits of playing chess.

In 2016, 314 participants – which included school principals, teachers, chess-coordinators and parents in parts of Queensland and NSW – filled out an anonymous, online survey.

Participants were asked to state how much they agreed or disagreed with 34 statements about the benefits of playing chess, such as: learning chess helps children develop critical thinking abilities.

Most participants either agreed or strongly agreed with most of the statements for chess benefits. For instance, almost 80% (249 out of 313) strongly agreed learning chess had educational benefits for children.

Another 87% (269 out of 310) strongly agreed learning chess helps children develop problem solving abilities. And 59% (184 out of 314) strongly agreed learning chess has benefits for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander Children.

The survey also included a space for comments. Some comments from participants included:

Chess is a great activity for all children to be involved in. It is one of a number of activities that schools can offer that assist in the academic, social and emotional development of children.

One parent said:

Since starting classes [my son] has become a full-time student and is managing social situations a lot better than before. Chess has pushed him to think in different ways.​

But does it?

Previous studies that explored whether chess improves children’s cognitive abilities have had mixed results.

Some studies have found playing chess was linked to better thinking abilities. For instance, a significant 2012 New York study found that children in a group that had learnt either chess or music performed slightly better than children in the group who learnt neither.

But the study also noted the improvement in the chess group was not statistically significant.

Read more: How to use music to fine tune your child for school

A 2017 trial of more than 4,000 children in England found no evidence that chess instruction had any effect on children’s mathematics, reading or science test scores.

We wanted to test if there was, in fact, a positive correlation between learning to play chess and learners’ verbal, numerical and abstract (visual) reasoning skills. The study explored this in Year 1 to Year 5 students in a private school in Queensland.

In particular, the study examined whether a range of chess-related and non-chess related variables affected the standardised test scores of the chess group as compared to the control groups.

The study consisted of 203 students (with approval of their parents) who opted into the study. They made up four groups (based on the same approach as the 2012 New York study mentioned above). The groups were made of:

• 46 students who learnt to play chess
• 48 students who learnt to play music
• 37 students who learnt to play chess and music
• 72 students who neither learnt chess nor music

Weekly chess lessons were given to 83 students for six months: 24 from Year 1, 20 from Year 2, 8 from Year 3, 18 from Year 4 and 13 from year 5.

Weekly music lessons were given to 85 students for six months: 16 from year 1, 15 from year 2, 12 from year 3, 23 from year 4 and 19 from year 5.

We used standardised tests to measure whether there was any significant change in the scores of the different groups.

Year 1 and 2 students were tested using the Raven’s Progressive Matrices ( RPM ) tests, which are multiple-choice intelligence tests of abstract reasoning.

Grade 3, 4 and 5 students were tested using the ACER (Australian Council of Educational Research) General Ability Tests ( AGAT ), used to assess learners’ reasoning skills in three areas: verbal, numerical and abstract (visual).

There were small improvements in the standardised test scores of the chess and music groups but these were not statistically significant.

Read more: A good move to master maths? Check out these chess puzzles

Our findings don’t mean learning to play chess has no benefits for cognitive skills. There are many different types of thinking and measures of intelligence we do not yet fully understand. This is especially relevant in a world where conceptual thinking has become such a vital skill.

The different ways of thinking associated with the benefits of chess may include creative thinking, critical thinking, logical thinking, intuition, logical reasoning, systemic thinking, strategic thinking, foresight, convergent thinking, analytical thinking, problem solving and concentration.

Further research should aim to explore which type of thinking chess may improve, if we are to agree with the positive views of academics, educators, parents and players.

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Does chess make you smarter? 10 Brain benefits of playing chess

If you're already a lover of the game, here are some major brain benefits of playing chess. If you're not yet, perhaps it's time to start!

Throughout Brainscape's Academy, we've shown you a myriad of ways you can improve and optimize your brain health by eating the right foods , using exercise to power productivity , and beating bad sleep habits . Activities like puzzles or learning a foreign language have also been shown to keep your brain sharp.

But what about chess, which was recently made extremely popular by the 2020 series, The Queen's Gambit? Chess is a game typically associated with intelligence and a keen grasp of strategy. But can playing chess make you smarter? As it turns out, yes!

If you’re already a chess lover, this article will open your eyes to all the wonderful things it's doing for your brain. If you’re not yet, it might just motivate you to start. So, with that said, here are 10 ways that chess can actually make you smarter...

1. Chess can raise your IQ

Chess has always had a bit of an image problem, being seen as a game for brainiacs and nerds who already have stratospherically high IQs. So there's a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation: do smart people gravitate towards chess, or does playing chess make them smart?

Well, in a review of the educational benefits of chess, Robert Ferguson describes a study of 4,000 Venezuelan students, which showed significant increases in the IQ scores of children after four months of chess instruction. Other research has corroborated these results of skill transfer.

Of course it probably works both ways: people who are naturally predisposed to strategic, "thinking" games tend to have higher IQs anyway, but playing chess also develops those same skills so after some time, it should reflect in their IQ scores.

2. Chess helps to prevent Alzheimer’s disease

A study featured in The New England Journal of Medicine found that people over the age of 75 who engage in brain-targeted activities like chess were less likely to develop dementia than their those who didn't. Just like an un-exercised muscle loses strength due to atrophy, the study’s authors found that unused brain tissue also tends to lose neuroplasticity , the ability to modify, change, and adapt both structure and function in response to learning. These results were corroborated by a big review that concluded chess is a protective factor against dementia .

The take-home message is that working your brain through problem-solving, thinking games like chess—or puzzles, sudoku, crosswords, and riddles—can keep your brain's neuroplasticity pliant as you age, helping to stave off diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia.

(Another cognitive exercise that helps to exercise your brain and strengthen memories is active recall, so check out our article on how to harness active recall to learn more efficiently .)

3. Chess exercises both sides of the brain

In a German study titled ' Mechanisms and neural basis of object and pattern recognition: a study with chess experts ', researchers showed chess experts and novices simple geometric shapes (unrelated to the game) and chess positions and patterns. They then performed a comparitive study of their reactions to them, expecting to find that the experts’ left brains were more active than those who were new to chess.

What they instead found was that both hemispheres of the brain were activated by the exercise, and that novices and experts had similar reaction times to the geometric shapes (unrelated to chess), but that the experts were using both sides of their brains to more quickly respond to the chess-related patterns position questions.

This tosses out the idea that chess is a logic-centric game because it actually engages both the logical and creative hemispheres of the brain!

4. Chess makes you more creative

Since the right hemisphere of the brain is responsible for creativity, it should come as no surprise that activating the right side of your brain helps to stimulate creativity. Specifically, chess has been shown to greatly increase your capacity for originality.

One four-year study by Robert Ferguson had students from grades 7 to 9 play chess, use computers, or do other activities once a week for 32 weeks to see which activity fostered the most growth in creative thinking. The chess group scored higher in all measures of creativity , with originality being their biggest area of gain!

So, if you're struggling to write that novel, perhaps invest in a chess board! (I wonder if that's how the originator of 'The Queen's Gambit' happened upon that idea...)

5. Chess improves your memory

Most serious chess players know—at least anecdotally—that playing chess improves your memory. Being a good player requires you to recognize patterns, plan strategies involving long sequences of moves, and remember how your opponent has operated in the past to help you win. But there’s also hard evidence to back up the anecdotal data.

In a two-year 'Chess in Education' study done in 1985 , young students who were given regular opportunities to play chess improved their grades in all subjects. Their teachers also noticed that they exhibited better memory and organizational skills. This was corroborated by a similar study of sixth-graders in Pennsylvania. In fact, even students who had never before played chess were able to improve memory and verbal skills after playing!

Psssst! A powerful way to improve memory is through Brainscape's adaptive flashcards so take a look through our Knowledge Genome for the subject/s you need help studying or get started making your own flashcards so that you can learn more efficiently, whether your challenge is high school biology or the bar exam.

6. Chess improves your problem-solving skills

In a 1992 New Brunswick (Canada) study , a group of 450 students were split into three groups consisting of a control group (Group A), which received the typical math curriculum; Group B, who, in addition to the standard math curriculum, received chess instruction after first grade; and Group C, who began chess instruction in the first grade, in addition to math.

All of the groups then received a standardized test and it was shown, quite shockingly, that Group C’s grades went up from an average of 62% to 81.2%, outpacing Group A's average by 21.46%!

This study shows just how much the game of chess exercises the kind of problem-solving skills that are employed during mathematics. And it makes sense: a chess match is like one big puzzle that needs solving, only, with every turn your opponent takes, the challenge (and therefore the solution) completely changes. And this is great brain exercise!

7. Chess improves your reading skills

In an oft-cited 1991 study , Dr. Stuart Margulies studied the reading performance of 53 elementary school students who participated in a chess program, evaluating them in comparison with non-chess-playing students in the district and around the country. He found definitive results that playing chess improved reading performance : in a school district where the average students tested below the national average level of reading skill, kids from the district who played the game tested above it!

8. Chess improves your concentration

Unsurprisingly, the intense concentration that the game of chess demands serves as really good exercise for players, who can then apply those skills of concentration to other areas of their life! Getting distracted or thinking about something else for even a moment can result in the loss of a match, partly because an opponent is not required to tell you how he moved if you didn’t see it. Numerous studies of students in the U.S., Russia, China, and elsewhere have shown time and again that young people’s ability to focus is sharpened through the game of chess.

(Check out our seminal Academy guide for other ways to boost your focus .)

9. Chess stimulates the growth of neuron dendrites

Dendrites are the tree-like branches that conduct signals from other neural cells into the neurons they are attached to. Think of them like antennas picking up signals from other brain cells. The more antennas you have and the bigger they are, the more effectively signals can be transmitted, which means quicker learning and more decisive thinking.

Learning a new skill like chess-playing stimulates dendrites to grow. But that growth doesn’t stop once you’ve learned the game! Interactions with people in challenging activities also fuels dendrite growth, and chess is a perfect example of just such an activity.

10. Chess teaches planning and foresight

One of the last parts of the brain to develop as humans mature is the prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for planning, judgment, and self-control . So, biologically speaking, even young adults aren't fully matured until this part develops, which is typically by age 24.

Strategy games like chess, however, can promote prefrontal cortex development and help improve teens' and young adults' decision-making in all areas of their life, perhaps keeping them from making stupid, risky choices of the kind associated with being young and reckless!

Does chess make you smarter?

So, yeah, there's some pretty good evidence to suggest that playing chess develops your brain and improves your cognitive abilities. If you’re interested in other ways to improve your skillset, intelligence, and brain health, keep exploring the Brainscape Academy for a whole library of totally free study guides.

And if you're trying to boost intelligence to pass an exam or course, go study in Brainscape, the world's smartest study and flashcard app , which will help you master languages, science content, history, and any other subject so much more efficiently.

Best of luck in your chess tournament – and your lifelong quest to get smarter!

Bilalić, M., Langner, R., Erb, M., & Grodd, W. (2010). Mechanisms and neural basis of object and pattern recognition: a study with chess experts. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General , 139 (4), 728. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0020756

Ferguson Jr., R. (2007). Chess in Education: Research Summary. A review of key chess research. http://uschesstrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/chess-in-education-research-summary-by-robert-ferguson.pdf

Jankovic, A., & Novak, I. (2019). Chess as a powerful educational tool for successful people. In 7th International OFEL Conference on Governance, Management and Entrepreneurship: Embracing Diversity in Organisations. April 5th-6th, 2019, Dubrovnik, Croatia (pp. 425-441). Zagreb: Governance Research and Development Centre (CIRU). https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/196101/1/ofel-2019-p425-441.pdf

Joseph, E., Easvaradoss, V., Kennedy, A., & Kezia, E. J. (2016). Chess training improves cognition in children. GSTF Journal of Psychology , 2 (2), 1-6. doi: 10.5176/2345-7872_2.2_33

Lillo-Crespo, M., Forner-Ruiz, M., Riquelme-Galindo, J., Ruiz-Fernández, D., & García-Sanjuan, S. (2019). Chess Practice as a Protective Factor in Dementia. International journal of environmental research and public health , 16 (12), 2116. https://dx.doi.org/10.3390%2Fijerph16122116

Margulies, S. (1992). The effect of chess on reading scores: District nine chess program second year report. The American Chess Foundation, New York . https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/4b6d/f99da808d6e0e60a960c2e34b17e8679081e.pdf

Verghese, J., Lipton, R. B., Katz, M. J., Hall, C. B., Derby, C. A., Kuslansky, G., ... & Buschke, H. (2003). Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly. New England Journal of Medicine , 348 (25), 2508-2516. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa022252

Flashcards for serious learners .

Chess and Problem Solving: Sharpening Your Mind

Chess is not just a game; it is an activity that challenges your mind and enhances your problem-solving skills. In this article, we will explore the connection between chess and problem-solving and how playing this strategic game can have a positive impact on sharpening your mind. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, understanding the cognitive benefits of chess and incorporating it into your routine can help improve your critical thinking, decision-making, and analytical abilities. So, if you are ready to embark on a journey of mental growth and development, let’s delve into the world of chess and discover how it can boost your problem-solving capabilities.

The Benefits of Chess for Problem Solving

Improves critical thinking skills.

Chess is a game that requires players to think critically and make thoughtful decisions. By analyzing positions and evaluating potential moves, chess players develop their ability to think logically and strategically. This mental exercise helps improve critical thinking skills, enabling individuals to approach problems and challenges in a systematic and analytical manner.

Enhances pattern recognition

Chess is a game of patterns. Successful chess players are adept at recognizing and understanding various patterns on the chessboard. This skill transfers to problem-solving situations outside of the game as well. Through regular chess practice, individuals can enhance their pattern recognition abilities, enabling them to identify similarities and connections in different contexts. This heightened pattern recognition skill can be beneficial in various problem-solving scenarios, such as identifying trends, predicting outcomes, or finding creative solutions.

Fosters strategic planning

Chess is all about strategic planning. Players must consider short-term and long-term goals, formulate and adjust their plans accordingly, and anticipate their opponents’ moves. This constant exercise in strategic thinking fosters a mindset that is crucial for effective problem solving. Chess players learn to weigh different options, anticipate consequences, and develop strategies to overcome obstacles. These skills transfer beyond the chessboard, allowing individuals to approach problem-solving situations with a well-thought-out plan and the ability to adapt and adjust their strategies as needed.

In conclusion, engaging in chess as a means of problem-solving practice offers several benefits. It improves critical thinking skills, enhances pattern recognition abilities, and fosters strategic planning. By incorporating chess into one’s routine, individuals can sharpen their minds and cultivate valuable problem-solving skills that can be applied to various aspects of life.

Developing Problem-Solving Techniques through Chess

Analyzing positions and making decisions.

In the game of chess, players are constantly faced with the challenge of analyzing positions and making crucial decisions. Each move requires careful evaluation of the current situation on the board and the anticipation of potential future moves by the opponent. This process helps develop problem-solving techniques as players are forced to think critically, weigh different options, and assess the consequences of their decisions.

Analyzing positions involves considering various factors such as piece placement, pawn structure, king safety, and potential threats. By carefully assessing these elements, players can identify advantageous moves that can lead to a stronger position or material gain. This analytical thinking translates into real-life problem-solving skills by encouraging individuals to break down complex problems into smaller components and evaluate different approaches.

Identifying and solving chess problems

Chess is not just about playing against human opponents; it also offers a wealth of puzzles and problems that require critical thinking to solve. Chess problems can be in the form of tactical puzzles, where players need to find a sequence of moves to gain a significant advantage or checkmate the opponent’s king. Solving these problems enhances problem-solving abilities by challenging players to think creatively, consider alternative solutions, and anticipate potential obstacles.

Identifying chess problems involves recognizing patterns, calculating moves, and visualizing potential outcomes. This process trains the mind to look for hidden opportunities and consider unconventional strategies. By honing these skills in chess, individuals can apply them to real-life situations, improving their ability to identify problems, devise efficient solutions, and adapt their approach as needed.

Learning from mistakes and adapting strategies

Chess is a game of continuous learning, and making mistakes is an inevitable part of the process. However, what sets successful chess players apart is their ability to learn from these mistakes and adapt their strategies accordingly. Analyzing past games, reviewing critical positions, and understanding the reasons behind errors are crucial steps in improving problem-solving techniques.

By reflecting on their mistakes, chess players develop a growth mindset that emphasizes learning and improvement. They learn to identify weaknesses in their thinking process, detect recurring patterns of errors, and adjust their strategies to avoid similar pitfalls in the future. This adaptive thinking nurtures problem-solving skills by encouraging individuals to approach challenges with resilience, flexibility, and a willingness to reassess their approach when necessary.

Overall, chess serves as an excellent platform for developing problem-solving techniques. Through analyzing positions, solving chess problems, and learning from mistakes, players sharpen their minds and acquire valuable problem-solving skills that can be applied to various aspects of life.

Chess Tactics and Problem-Solving

Understanding tactical patterns.

In the game of chess, tactical patterns are essential for success. These patterns are specific combinations of moves that players can use to gain an advantage over their opponents. Understanding these patterns allows players to identify opportunities and make strategic decisions accordingly. Some common tactical patterns include forks, pins, skewers, and discovered attacks. By studying and recognizing these patterns, players can improve their problem-solving skills and make better moves on the chessboard.

Applying tactical knowledge in problem-solving

Chess is not just a game of strategy; it also requires problem-solving skills. Players must analyze the position, evaluate potential moves, and anticipate their opponent’s responses. By applying tactical knowledge acquired through studying patterns, players can effectively solve problems on the chessboard. They can identify weaknesses in their opponent’s position, find winning combinations, and create threats that force their opponent into unfavorable situations. Problem-solving in chess requires a combination of logical thinking, creativity, and the ability to calculate multiple moves ahead.

Utilizing chess puzzles for practice

Chess puzzles are an excellent tool for practicing and sharpening problem-solving skills. These puzzles present players with specific board positions and challenges them to find the best move or sequence of moves. By regularly solving chess puzzles, players can improve their tactical awareness, pattern recognition, and overall problem-solving abilities. Chess puzzles come in various difficulty levels, allowing players to gradually progress and challenge themselves. Additionally, solving puzzles can be an enjoyable and engaging way to enhance one’s chess skills outside of actual gameplay.

By understanding tactical patterns, applying tactical knowledge in problem-solving, and utilizing chess puzzles for practice, players can sharpen their minds and improve their overall chess gameplay. Developing strong problem-solving skills in chess not only enhances one’s performance on the board but also translates into improved critical thinking and decision-making abilities in various aspects of life.

In conclusion, chess is not just a game of strategy and competition; it is also a powerful tool for enhancing problem-solving skills and sharpening the mind. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, engaging in regular chess practice can improve your critical thinking abilities, decision-making skills, and overall mental agility. By analyzing complex positions, evaluating multiple possibilities, and devising effective plans, chess players develop a unique mindset that can be applied to various real-life situations. So, if you are looking for a fun and challenging way to boost your cognitive abilities, consider immersing yourself in the world of chess. Start honing your problem-solving skills today and witness the positive impact it can have on your mind.