Chess, one of the oldest and most challenging of games, is showing remarkable results as one of the latest pedagogical tools for young students. Through the medium of chess, children learn disciplined thinking skills which are applicable to other intellectual endeavors.

The NSCF endorses the statement of Dr. Robert Ferguson that the discipline of chess provides the necessary 4th "R" in education - reasoning.

Chess education is extremely effective with children because:

• Chess involves all levels of critical thinking (knowledge, comprehension, analysis, evaluation);
• Chess requires forethought and cultivates visualization skills;
• Chess improves problem solving skills;
• Chess encourages children to overcome the fear of risk-taking;
• Chess teaches concentration and self-discipline;
• Chess enables children to assume responsibility for their decisions;
• Chess rewards determination and perseverance;
• Chess raises self-esteem and promotes good sportsmanship;
• Chess encourages socialization skills that extend across cultures and generations ;
• Chess is fun!

Children from all backgrounds can succeed at chess. Even children who are not performing well in school are inspired by chess and show a better attitude towards learning.

For more on this subject, see the Chess in Education Research Summary by Dr. Robert Ferguson.

Introduction

Mission

Programs