It is now well known that chess is an effective educational system.
This idea is also shared by the European Parliament, which has promoted the inclusion of chess in the education system through legislation, considering it a subject in its own right.
Wolfango Sbordio, a professor and chess player from Turin, known for having introduced the game of chess in prisons, was interviewed on the subject. He presented his opinion on this activity and listed a series of benefits that he had observed in students while they were playing chess. As well as being forced to think about the moves to be made or the possible consequences of these, he says that through this activity the pupil is taught how to behave in society. Playing chess means sitting still, and learning to think even under pressure.
Furthermore, the game is simple and within everyone’s reach, and doesn’t cost too much.
Chess takes you to a world separate from reality, where participants are called upon to concentrate only on the chessboard, without thinking about external problems.
Moreover, through this practice you learn to get to know your opponent, even if the game is played in silence. As when playing cards, the player is encouraged to observe his opponent, his facial expressions, possible nervous tics, in order to get some clue about his next move. Although it is a game that has been played for years, it differs from other pastimes precisely because of this benefit, developing the ability to pay attention and concentrate.
Chess has also been the subject of research in the fields of psychology and pedagogy. It is also closely linked to these subjects, as psychology plays an important role in the practice of chess.
In the dynamics of the game, much depends on the character of the participants, their ability to control themselves, their level of patience and their willpower.
Players often underestimate the psychological aspect, a factor that was first recognised in the game of chess by Emanuel Lasker, a German mathematician and chess player. He declared chess to be a battle of personalities, emphasising the human element that lies behind the pieces.
In fact, he himself, on some occasions, found himself challenging an opponent, who had always been known for his calm and composure, but who during the game was showing signs of being nervous. Lasker learnt that during the game it is important to make your opponent nervous so as to be able to take advantage of any mistakes he might make, which are more easily made when he is nervous.
Precisely because of this role of psychology, this practice has also been introduced in prisons. Prisoners often have behavioural problems, some may have problems managing their anger or an inability to control themselves. However, by getting the prisoner to play chess, he is forced to control himself, because he knows that any distraction could compromise the game. In this sense, the practice of this activity is considered important, as it implicitly educates the inmate to behave correctly in order to make his return to society easier.
Finally, returning to the role of the European Parliament, an Erasmus+ project is being developed that involves the collaboration of three European countries, Germany, Spain and Italy, in the promotion of chess as an educational method in schools.
Authored by: SKILL UP
