‘Lady’s Gambit‘It’s one of those catchy series. Not just for its protagonist, Beth Harmon, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, but for the game she practices. It is also one of those television series that generate movement. The series has been a boom in the world of chess. The sale of chess games on eBay grew by 250% and Google searches for “how to play chess“They were the highest in nine years. In addition, the number of players on Chess.com had 2.5 million new users registered in November alone,” said Alberto Chueca, FIDE (International Chess Federation) coach. and professional chess player.
– Also read: Lady Gambit: her success, explained
The benefits of chess
“He chess it is one of the activities that most helps to exercise the mind. Some of these benefits are the development of the creativity and imagination through the calculation of variants, memorization, which is constantly exercised, the patience to be able to tackle competitive games of up to five hours and focus on designing strategic plans, “he explains. As the chess player continues, offering online classes, this board game also stimulates both sides of the brain and the having to interact with another person, socialization.In turn, it is a sport practiced individually so it also teaches independence and improves decision making.
As we see, chess is a fascinating game and the miniseries ‘Gambito de Dama’ is helping many to discover and get started in this discipline, which will undoubtedly result in better mental health. And is that, as this chess player explains, “at the health level, there are associations and programs that use chess to prevent Alzheimer’s or fight ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) “.
– Read also: Chess: a sport to prolong the life of your memory
An activity suitable for everyone
If you’re wondering if you can start learning to play chess, the answer is yes. Moreover, we would tell you not to hesitate, thanks to all its benefits. “Today we all understand the importance of performing physical activities, whether in gyms or outdoors. The health benefits associated with these are innumerable. However, not so much importance is given to the fact exercising the mind when it is the key to our lives“Although it is true that this trend is reversing significantly in recent decades,” recalls Alberto Chueca.
But if you doubt because you think you are no longer old or you are afraid of not being able to learn it, because you will be surprised. “In the past, chess was erroneously associated with being an activity designed for very smart people. This idea has already been banished and it is known that anyone can play chess and it is chess is the tool that transforms people by developing their mental abilities. It’s not the smart people who play chess, but the practice of chess makes people develop their full mental potential, “says this specialist on the board.
The teacher, he says, also that after a decade dedicated to teaching chess to a large number of students and currently training a world champion ‘under 10’ could say that 98% of the level of chess one possesses can be acquired through learning, constant work and practice. It is only 2% of what would correspond to natural, biological or innate talent. From this we could conclude that one can reach even the elite without having innate talent. This innate virtuosity that does not depend on ourselves is very small and would be the difference between being in the elite and being a world champion.
– Also read: Chess, checkers and other games with which to train your intelligence
Chess does not understand ages
So, if you liked Lady Gambit so much that you want to start learning this technique, do it. No matter how old you are. And, as the chess player explains, “it is a sport that can be practiced at any age. As a curiosity, there have been several cases where a 5-year-old has competed in an official tournament against a 95-year-old, which is difficult in other sports. From 4 and 5 years old you can start recognizing the pieces, teach the basic rules and movements and from 5-6 years old children can start calculating positions and combinations of 1 play to later calculate February and go adding difficulty progressively. By recognizing tactical patterns, they associate ideas that are repeated in numerous positions. “
Finally, if you are interested in learning and improving quickly in chess, there are three fundamental factors that Alberto Chueca lists and explains:
- The first is the advice and methodology of a professional. the Support from a chess coach is key, especially in those parts of conceptual understanding. The most practical part such as calculation or tactics if you can work more individually. Virtually everyone who competes in chess, even in low-level tournaments, takes classes regularly or has a coach behind them.
- The second factor would be the constancy. As in any discipline, great qualitative improvements can only be achieved if one is active and trains regularly.
- And finally, the interest, Which would put you even above the talent. If a student is interested, it makes the job easier for the coach and the concepts are acquired more quickly.
– Also read: Build a beautiful chessboard