Chess is bess!

Photo_on_2010-11-06_at_10

 

Seven kids next to me are playing on a giant chess board about 12x12 ft. Glad I'm not playing bc they would probably beat me!  Soly can beat me too, which is why we are at a chess tournament in Redmond. 

I'm really proud of him bc I never learned how to play chess growing up, and he likes it. Chess is GREAT for kids: visual spatial reasoning, problem solving skills, handling competition in a professional manner, planning skills, and fun to play with parents. While there are no studies looking at chess and bullying, I would think that chess can be helpful in building self confidence and making friends, which is important to combat bullying--protective peers!

I've learned to play bc of my son's interest. I want to support him. Chess is complex! Hundreds of moves...openings...middle...closing...etc etc. When I play my son, I always look up a cheat sheet online before we play. Can he really beat me? Yes, but if I really try and take the time to think through my moves, then I have been victorious--still, who wants to wait that long, I don't!!!  ;-) 

Does anyone else play chess with their kids at school or home? What benefits do you see? Give me some tips on how to play!