What does chess have to do with imagination anyway?

This article departs from my usual subject matter. When it comes to web communication techniques one must not be afraid to try new things. You have to have some imagination. You may have a blog but never thought of giving webinars. You may have a web site but never thought of using Twitter. It's important to keep your mind open to new possibilities.

One of my friends on Twitter, Laura Sherman, is convinced that one of the best ways to train young minds to be imaginative is through chess. Yes, you heard me, that 64 square board game with the rooks, kings, queens and bishops. So, I offer you today her thoughts on chess and how the game connects to imagination building.

What does chess have to do with imagination anyway?
By Laura Sherman

Artists, leaders, educators and pretty much anyone in any field can enhance our world through creativity and imagination. So what does this have to do with chess? Everything!

Chess helps a child develop his or her imagination. After all we’re just looking at a board with 64 squares and a bunch of pieces that can move around in different ways until the players breathe life into their games. As the pieces take their place on the battlefield, positions form and opportunities open up, but only if you can see them in your mind’s eye.

As a person improves, each position communicates more and more to him or her. One starts recognizing patterns and becomes able to plan future attacks. The way to win a game of chess is to plan out a strategy and follow through with it. You must be able to imagine your goal and then take the necessary steps to carry it out.

Apply this to any aspect of your life and you will do well. Decide what you want to accomplish, set the goal and then do what is needed to make that happen. Maybe you have a new business idea. Maybe you want a buy a home or you want to write a novel. The possibilities are endless and are under your control.

If we can teach our children early that it is okay to dream and that those dreams can come true, we might just be looking at an unstoppable next generation!


Laura Sherman founded Your Chess Coach (www.YourChessCoach.com) with her husband, Dan Sherman. Together they teach children to play chess through various schools in Pinellas County, Florida, as well as privately in students’ homes and online.