Tips to master problem-solving skills – play chess
One of the important skills taught in management courses is problem-solving skill. The skill of problem-solving is essential not only for management students, but for every one of us. It is one of the traits that every person should be aware of and master the same. Its use will be felt when faced with unforeseen problems at life, where a person will not take any rash decision and will apply logic and reasoning before acting on the problem.
How can one learn this invaluable trait of problem-solving skill? It is simple. Just learn the game of chess and play it regularly.
Do you think I am kidding? – Read on.
Understanding the problem is half solution to the problem – is an old adage. Before acting on the problem, one should try to understand what the problem is and what the options available for dealing with the problem are. If you do not understand the problem or make a wrong decision, then it will be your responsibility to face the consequences of the decision.
Now, coming to the game of chess, it is a fair game with no provision for any luck or chance. The game starts at equilibrium with both the players having same set of pieces, albeit of different color, same space and same capability. The objective of the game is to corner the opponent’s King and say, “checkmate”. You are not allowed to make any random moves without any forethought or analysis. If you make a wrong move, then you will be punished for the same. The punishment may be either loss of advantage, loss of an important piece or losing the game itself.
Can you visualize the similarities between the game of chess and the life where we come across many problems?
Learning the game of chess, mastering the game and playing regularly stimulates the mind, exercises your brain and teaches invaluable skills including the problem-solving skills. A chess player will have better mental strength, confidence and character than other persons and as such can be in a better position to tackle problems and take meaningful solutions.
It is for this very reason that the game of chess is recommended for children at their young age. Research has proved beyond doubt that children learning the game of chess and playing it regularly have outperformed other children in the academic career.
When the children are taught the game of chess, they turn out to be smarter, filled with self-confidence. This confidence in them will motivate them to perform better in their academics and come out with flying colors.
As part of problem solving, one has to understand the problem, assess the pros and cons of the problem, analyze the possible options for the problem, weigh the problems and visualize the consequences of each option, and then finally take a decision, which will turn out to be the most optimal and appropriate one.
A chess player does all these activities in a game of chess before deciding to make a move or implement a tactic or strategy aimed at cornering the opponent’s King. Is it not?
The beauty is that the chess player does not do this activity as a one-off affair but at the end of every move and counter move of the opponent. So, not only will he be moving the right pieces to the right squares at a time, but during the entire course of the game, which may last anywhere between 10 minutes to 5 hours, depending upon the skill of the opponent.
A game of chess or regular chess games with skilled players will definitely impart this important skill of problem-solving to the people.
Now, with online chess, anybody with knowledge of chess and having a passion to learn these invaluable traits can play chess online at any time whenever he wants to play and enrich his quality of life.