Separating Fact From Fiction

Fergus Gobet, a renowned expert in the field, posits that while there exists a moderate correlation between chess proficiency and various forms of intelligence, this relationship appears to be largely attributable to the fact that more intelligent individuals tend to be drawn to activities such as chess in the first place.

This is not to suggest that games are devoid of cognitive benefits; rather, most games impart “domain-specific skills,” or specialized knowledge that can be applied in a particular context. For instance, those seeking to enhance their mathematical or business acumen might find Monopoly to be a suitable choice. Classic games like chess, Go, and checkers do, however, foster critical thinking and executive function – the mental faculties that enable individuals to navigate complex situations, make informed decisions, and solve problems effectively.

Games can cultivate social intelligence, including the capacity to respect opponents and exhibit graciousness in defeat. A recent study, as reported by Popular Science, suggests that video games may have a more pronounced impact on cognitive development than traditional board games.