Bobby Fischer, the world chess champion and grandmaster, is quoted, "Chess is life." But can this two-player game is beneficial to your mental and physical health?

Chess game consists of a square checkered board and playing pieces that move differently depending on their royal or military classification. You should understand these surprising health benefits of chess before making your next move.

Grows Dendrites:

Dendrites transmit messages from neuron cells in the brain to the neuron to which they are linked. Chess game encourages the formation of dendrites, which improves the speed and quality of neuronal connection across the brain. The brain or simply say - your body's computer, performs better with more processing power.

Both sides of the brain are exercised

To obtain the best benefit from a physical workout, you must train both sides of your body. According to studies, in order to play chess well, a player must develop and use both the left and right hemispheres of the brain. The left hemisphere deals with object recognition, while the right hemisphere works with pattern recognition. Chess will successfully exercise and develop not one, but both sides of your brain over time, thanks to the rules and technique involved in the game.

Prevents Alzheimer’s disease:

According to a medical study, playing chess increases brain function, reduces the risk of dementia and alleviates its symptoms. Keeping your brain functioning at a regular rate, especially with a mind-stimulating hobby like chess, will minimise your risk of Alzheimer's disease, sadness, and anxiety.

Helps to treat schizophrenia Researchers discovered that schizophrenic patients who were instructed to play chess on a daily basis improved their condition more than those who did not. Chess-playing patients showed improved attention, planning, and reasoning abilities, and, more interestingly, they chose to keep playing chess as part of their regular routine after the trial ended.

Improves children’s thinking and problem-solving skills:

A child who is introduced to chess at a young age is more likely to do well in school in the future. Chess enhances a child's thinking, problem-solving, reading, and arithmetic skills, according to research. Although some youngsters as young as four or five may be ready to study and play chess, educators and chess professionals usually believe that the second grade is the best time to introduce them to the game.

Builds self-confidence:

With role models like Mangus Carlsen, a young Norwegian grandmaster, and RZA, a hip-hop producer, chess only appears to get hotter with each generation. Chess, on the other hand, will boost your self-esteem regardless of your age. You're on your own when you play, and if you lose, you'll have to assess where you went wrong. Playing chess and understanding why you won or lost improves your mental strength and self-confidence in the real world.

Rehabilitation and Therapy:

Chess can be used to assist people rehabilitate after a stroke or a physically debilitating event, as well as as a kind of therapy for those with autism or other developmental problems. Moving chess pieces around the board can help a patient's motor skills grow and fine tune, while the mental work necessary to play the game can aid enhance cognitive and communicative abilities.