Chess is a great activity for anyone, regardless of gender. The game enhances cognitive abilities, improves strategic thinking skills, and helps players gain valuable life lessons. But despite all the benefits, only a small percentage of young girls pursue chess seriously.
Since March is Women’s History Month, and a time to celebrate all things girl, lets take a look at some of the intellectual and personal ways chess can positively impact girls, as well as some ways we can encourage girls to play.
Benefits For Girls
Life Lessons
Chess is more than just a game. Girls who play learn how to handle both victory and defeat gracefully, how to set goals and work towards them, and how to handle pressure under challenging circumstances. These skills all help to shape character and aid in personal growth.
Cognitive Skills
By playing chess girls can improve their analytical skills, enhance their memory, increase their concentration, and become better problem solvers – all skills that transfer to life outside of the chessboard as well.
Planning
If there is one game that helps players think methodically while teaching practical ways to plan ahead and think about the future, its chess.
Empowerment and Confidence
Everyone starts a chess game on equal footing and the same chance of conquering the board. A players’ success is based solely on each individual’s skills and strategies, not gender, and since there is no one way to play, players get to bring your own unique style to the game. Engaging in a game traditionally dominated by men can empower girls and boost their self-confidence.
Social Interaction
Participating in tournaments or joining chess clubs provide girls with opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, make new friends, and develop social skills – creating a sense of community for girls to thrive.
Relaxation
The world is loud, busy, and demanding – but playing a game like chess where focus is important and calmness prevails can help players zone out the world for a little while and add some serious calmness to their day.
Encouraging Girls to Play Chess
Learn About Inspiring Female Players
Introducing girls to inspiring female players (both historic and current) shows girls what’s possible for them in the game of chess and can have a huge impact on their desire to play.
Help Build Community
Many girls value community, friendship, and shared experiences, and finding a supportive chess environment can help girls feel like they belong. Encourage girls to sign up for classes, camps, tournaments, or girls only online forums.
Play as a Family
Introduce the game of chess as a fun family activity. Playing and learning together can build major confidence.
Make it Fun
Games, camps, and hands-on learning activities can make chess even more fun for new or young players.
Encouragement and Praise
Praise and positive reinforcement helps young players stay motivated and take pride in their progress and accomplishments. Girls are more likely to stick with an activity when they feel supported.