Every checkmate starts with the first move
Throughout history, games and sports have helped humanity to survive times of crisis by reducing anxieties and improving mental health, according to the United Nations.
ON July 20, annually, the world commemorates International Chess Day, the day the International Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded, in 1924.
The idea to celebrate this day was proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and it has been celebrated since 1966. According to FIDE president, Kirsan IIyumzhinov, on December 12, 2019, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly unanimously approved the resolution recognising the day.
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A 2012 Yougov poll showed that a surprisingly stable 70% of the adult population has played chess at some point during their lives, and the day is celebrated by many of the 605-million regular chess players around the world. The origins of chess are a matter of debate as multiple theories attribute the beginning of this game to countries like India, China, Russia and Central Asia.
Mndeni Njapha, who teaches chess in public and private schools around Durban, said it is never too early or late for a person to learn to play chess.
“I started playing chess at six years old and never looked back. I cannot say that I am the master of chess, but I know it better than many other people. I am glad that many schools these days are incorporating chess into daily learning to help children develop critical thinking skills and learners’ participation in the classrooms,” he said.
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Njapha says that chess improves memory, alertness and creativity. He advised anyone to play chess to improve their critical thinking skills. “Anyone can play chess regardless of age and race. If a parent is serious about helping a child get ahead in academics and life, sign him or her up for chess classes in schools. Not only will your child have fun learning a classic game, but they will develop valuable life skills that will set them up for future success,” he added.
The chess teacher provided distinct lessons people can learn from playing chess. Njapha’s lessons are as follows:
- Calmness under pressure
- Problem-solving
- Abstract-reasoning
- Creative-thinking
- Strategic-thinking
- Pattern-recognition
- Reduces stress
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