How Chess improved my thinking By: Mirudhula Velayutha Perumal

 How Chess improved my thinking

By: Mirudhula Velayutha Perumal

March 20 2026

Grade 9 - South Brunswick High School

Chess is not just a game for fun–it's a masterpiece of patience and strategic thinking.

When I first started playing chess, I thought it was just playing cool moves and trying to beat the opponent. But I soon realized, chess is much more than playing moves. It's about thinking ahead, and making the right decisions.

One of the first things chess taught me is patience. Especially since we live in a world where many people make sudden decisions, without thinking twice. But chess taught me to take my time, think carefully, and make sure I know what you're doing. One wrong move and it could change the whole game. This helps me understand every decision matters, not just in chess, but in life too.

Chess has also helped me get better with my problem-solving skills. During a game, you have to study the board, guess what your opponent might do next in a short amount of time, and come up with good moves. This kind of thinking helps in subjects like math and science where problem solving is a key skill. 

Another thing chess taught me is how to handle losing a game. Losing an important game can be sad and frustrating. It can make you feel like giving up. But chess has taught me to learn from my mistakes and always keep trying. It motivates  me to always do my best.

What I like most is there is always something new to learn. Even if you’ve been playing for a while, new strategies, ideas and opponents keep the game exciting and entertaining.

Overall, chess has made me more focused and thoughtful. It has taught me skills I can use everyday, not just in the game. I think everyone should try chess, not just to play, but see how it feels to be placed in front of a board with a clock ticking next to you, making every move matter.