‘Gambita Doamnei‘is one of those series that clings. Not only because of its protagonist, Beth Harmon, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, but also because of the game she plays. It is also one of those television series that generates movement. The series was a boom in the world of chess. Chess game sales on eBay rose 250%, and Google searches for “how to play chess“They were the largest in the last nine years. In addition, the number of players on Chess.com registered 2.5 million new users registered in November alone,” said Alberto Chueca, FIDE (International Chess Federation) professor, coach and professional chess player.
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The benefits of chess
“He Chess It is one of the activities that helps the most in the exercise of the mind. Some of these benefits are development creativity and imagination by calculating variants, memorization, which is constantly exercised, patience to be able to cope with competitive games for up to five hours and focus on designing strategic plans, “he explains. According to the chess player, who offers online courses, this board game stimulates both sides of the brain and must interact with each other. In turn, it is a sport practiced individually, so it also teaches independence and improves decision-making.
As we can see, chess is a fascinating game, and the “Queen’s Gambit” miniseries helps many to discover it and start in this discipline, which will undoubtedly lead to better mental health. And, 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) “.
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An activity suitable for everyone
If you’re wondering if you can start learning to play chess, the answer is yes. Moreover, we tell you not to hesitate, thanks to all its benefits. “Today we all understand the importance of physical activity, whether in gyms or outdoors. The associated health benefits are innumerable. However, not so much importance is attached to the fact that exercise your mind when it is the key to our lives, although it is true that this trend has been reversed especially in recent decades, “Alberto Chueca recalls.
But if you doubt because you think you are not old or you are afraid of not being able to learn it, try it, because you will be surprised. “In the past, chess has been erroneously associated with being an activity designed for very intelligent 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 smart people who play chess, but the practice of chess makes people develop their full mental potential “, says this specialist on the board.
The professor also assures that, after a decade dedicated to teaching chess to a large number of students and currently forming an “under 10” world champion, he could say that 98% of the level of chess can be acquired through learning, constant work and practice. It is only 2% which would correspond to natural, biological or innate talent. From here we could conclude that you can even reach the elite without having innate talent. The innate virtuosity that does not depend on ourselves is very limited and would be the difference between being in the elite and being a world champion.
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Chess does not understand ages
Therefore, if you liked Queen’s Gambit so much that you want to start learning this technique, go ahead. It doesn’t 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 in which a 5-year-old competed in an official tournament against a 95-year-old, which is difficult to do in other sports. From the age of 4 and 5, you can begin to recognize the pieces, learn the basic rules and movements, and from the age of 5-6, children can begin to calculate the positions and combinations of 1 move to later calculate 2 and go on adding difficulties. progressive. By recognizing tactical patterns, they associate ideas that are repeated in many positions. ”
Finally, if you are interested in learning and improving your chess quickly, there are three fundamental factors that Alberto Chueca lists and explains:
- The first is the advice and methodology of a professional. He the support of a chess coach is essential, especially in those parts of the conceptual understanding. The most practical part, such as calculus or tactics, can be worked on more individually. Virtually all people who compete in chess, even in low-level tournaments, teach regularly or have a coach behind them.
- The second factor would be constant. As in any discipline, you can only get great quality improvements if you are active and train regularly.
- And finally, interest, which would put it even above talent. If a student is interested, it facilitates the coach’s work and the concepts are acquired faster.
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