The ancient game of chess is finding a new generation of

fans in kids as young as five, and intent little players can

be found in the classroom, in after-school programs and
at summer day camp picnic tables.
The motto of the U.S. Chess Federation is “Chess Makes
You Smart” and a growing body of evidence is showing
that the game improves youngsters‟ problem solving
skills as well as writing and math test scores.
The only “luck” in chess is executing a clever strategy
yourself or having your opponent make a bad move,
so hard work and good “if/then” thinking is critical.
Even kids in day camp will settle down in the shade on a
hot day for a fine battle on the chess board.
Although kids as young as kindergarten can tackle
chess, second and third grades are considered ideal
for learning how to weigh options, figure out
quadrants and coordinates and foresee the series of
consequences that make up the game of chess.
At this age critical thinking skills are advancing
rapidly. Playing chess and being “smart” are
considered connected, a big lure for elementary
school students.
Chess was invented more than 1500 years ago in
India, possibly as a way to teach the children of the
royal family to better understand battlefield
strategies and become higher level thinkers.
The game we play today, however, is rooted in the
middle ages, peopled by romantic figures like kings,
queens and bishops.
Since that time, chess has spread around the world,
outliving nearly every other game and receiving
countless endorsements and accolades from educators.
A universal game with worldwide rule consistency,
chess crosses all socio-economic, religious and
language barriers to bond diverse people in a game of
limitless skill and strategy.
In order to play chess well, you have to focus intensely on
the objective of capturing your opponent‟s king, visualizing
the moves of various pieces, the board itself and any
potential countermoves.
Spatial reasoning, attention span and visual memory all play
into this timeless game of strategy, and kids who play vastly
improve in these areas by memorizing classic moves and
successful maneuvers from previous games.
Kids who play chess tend to
score higher on standardized
reading and math tests.
The game itself involves intense
problem solving and
memorization of complex moves,
so it‟s not surprising that the
game boosts math skills.
It also nurtures the same skill set as
reading: decoding, comprehension,
thinking and analysis.
The game of chess involves a lot of “if-then” thinking as players
visualize possible moves and associated countermoves.
Each player needs to figure out not only what moves they want
to make, but what their opponents may do in response, utilizing
lots of imagination and creativity.
Originality grows as kids learn to visualize a long series of
moves, imagining all possible counterattacks.
One of the great benefits of chess is that it can bring together
people of all ages, races and genders. From kindergartners to
octogenarians, chess helps build friendships among people who
may not have otherwise become acquainted.
A game of chess is a lesson in caution, patience and eternal
hope even in the face of overwhelming odds. Hasty moves
or following your first impulse are poor strategies, and the
cautious, thoughtful player has a better chance of success.
Much like the game of life, chess teaches us that no matter
how bad things seem, there‟s hope right up to the end. As Yogi
Berra said, “It ain‟t over „til it‟s over.” Maybe he enjoyed the
occasional game of chess!
To win at chess, you have to think hard, work hard, focus,
practice and plan strategies, all activities that reward hard work.
The harder you work at the game, learning classic moves,
memorizing maneuvers that worked in previous games, keeping
watch over the whole chess board and planning ahead, the more
likely you are to say “check mate”!
Let your kids enjoy the experience of summer
day camp at Maplewood Summer Day Camp.
Experienced staff will keep your child both safe and
busy with arts and crafts, games, water sports,
gymnastics and more.
 Visit the site at
www.maplewoodyearround.com
 150 Foundry St. (Route 106)
PO Box 88 (Mailing)
South Easton, MA 02375
Email: info@maplewoodyearround.com
Telephone: (508) 238-2387
FAX: (508) 238-1154