Nobody would argue that a game of chess is a workout for the mind, but it is harder to see how the benefits of chess and the skills developed by playing chess well can be applied to real life situations. In fact the benefits of chess go far beyond simply strengthening memory, concentration, calculation, the ability to conceive and execute plans and the ability to see and solve potential problems before they become unmanageable.

Chess teaches a player how to discriminate between right and wrong, good and bad. It teaches us leadership skills and to take responsibility for our own decisions. Perhaps most importantly, it teaches a person how to bring their own desires to fruition despite the efforts of the opposition. These skills are truly useful at any time, and can be applied to all things.