The World Chess Hall of Fame Recognizes the Benefits of Chess Education
The World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF) recently inducted Judit Polgar of Hungary into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, December 3, 2022.[0] Polgar is widely regarded as the strongest female chess player of all time and is renowned for breaking barriers and records in the game.[0] This induction was part of the 6th Annual Strategy Across the Board Gala, hosted by the Saint Louis Chess Club.[1]
The reason for the excitement of the general public for chess is due to the incredible educational and developmental benefits it provides.[2] Chess teaches many key skills that are essential for success both in school and life. It helps students develop their focus, determination, problem-solving, and grit, without them relying on technology.
The WCHOF President, Julian Z. Schuster, has described chess as a “unique didactic tool that stimulates the mind, requires the use of logic and predictive abilities and helps students to perform better under pressure.”[3]
The chess programs offered by the WCHOF are tailored to different age groups, ranging from Preschool/TK to Elementary – Kindergarten-Second-Grade, to Elementary – Third-Fifth Grade.
On September 5, 2022, Magnus Carlsen, one of the world’s best chess players, tweeted that “Chess is more than a game. It is an investment aimed at improving the educational experiences of our students.” On November 16, 2022, he tweeted again that “Chess truly is an incredible way to teach so many incredible skills that are key to success in school and more importantly in life.” On September 26, 2022, he tweeted that “Chess is a great way to get away from technology and engage in problem-solving from the get-go.”[2]
The World Chess Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to the celebration, preservation, and promotion of the game of chess.[0] Through inducting great chess players and promoting the educational benefits of chess, the WCHOF is helping to further the reach and impact of the game of chess.
0. “Chess Legend Grandmaster Judit Polgar To Be Inducted Into World …” www.businesswire.com, 29 Jan. 2023, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221201005954/en/Chess-Legend-Grandmaster-Judit-Polgar-To-Be-Inducted-Into-World-Chess-Hall-of-Fame
1. “World Chess Hall of Fame inducts Judit Polgar” www.stlmag.com, 29 Jan. 2023, https://www.stlmag.com/culture/world-chess-hall-of-fame-inducts-judit-polgar/
2. “Chess for Education! – WinterPromise” winterpromise.com, 29 Jan. 2023, https://winterpromise.com/chess-for-education/
3. “Webster University adds minor in chess, a rare academic program …” www.laduenews.com, 29 Jan. 2023, https://www.laduenews.com/family-and-education/webster-university-adds-minor-in-chess-a-rare-academic-program-worldwide/article_430b96b2-a273-5a9f-a25b-b05e153dce55.html
