LVMAC Tidbit: Chess, “the Fairy Tale of 1001 Blunders”, Finds a Purpose

According to some, there is a growing body of empirical evidence that chess can help ease the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) — helping with both cognitive functioning and mental health.  In some parts of the country, chess clubs have actively worked with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and the VFW.  And, chess brings people from all walks of life together more casually through the pleasure of a game — something often missing in our society.  Its benefit can be manifold.

In our area, the Lehigh Valley Chess Association has continually reached out to our veterans.  Therefore, you might want to check them at http://www.lehighvalleychessclub.org/.  Ask for Bruce Davis, its Club Director, who regularly attends LVMAC meetings also.

Garry Kasparov, one of the most famous chess players of our time, once said, “Chess helps you to concentrate, improve your logic. It teaches you to play by the rules and take responsibility for your actions, how to problem solve in an uncertain environment.”  And Siegbert Tarrasch, a major influence on chess now long forgotten, who had experienced his fair share of sorrows, stated, ““Chess, like love, like music, has the power to make men happy.”  Maybe there is something more to playing chess than as a mere game, after all.

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As of 25 October 2019