Benefits of playing chess

Improves one's IQ -> stimulates brain, EQ, concentration, memory power, calculation power -> math skills, patience, confidence, attitude -> sportsmanship, openness to consider alternatives, logic, concrete analysis, strategic thinking, tactics, long range planning -> thinking ahead, problem solving ability, eye-brain co-ordination, reading skills, visual - spatial intelligence, complex thinking skills, research skills, self esteem, aesthetic judgement (appreciation for beauty - for starters, observe Knight movement on the board if you're wondering what I mean).

A chess player becomes more cultured, thanks to his acclimatization to constant struggle to get his way in the game. He becomes more civilized as the rules obligate one to hear the opponent out before making one's move!  

Attention all!, playing chess keep you cranially very active, consequently brain cells last long and thus slows down ageing! 

Attention elderly folks!, playing chess prevents onset of Dementia and Alzheimer's (memory and reasoning related diseases).

Attention teenagers!, playing chess gets you engrossed in the beauty of the game which improves your concentration level and patience, in turn resulting in easy and stress-free focus towards studies. In my opinion, chess offers your mind a welcome occupation which helps you to effectively combat hormonal rush that's currently happening in you which is otherwise the root cause for all teenage related distractions viz., frequent moodiness, anger, shouting etc.

A good chess player is also a good artist. Quote unquote, like chess, in painting too, your mind needs to race ahead of the moves that you eventually make!

-- Aruna

   Jan 2016