Chess and Academic Performance
Many schools now include chess in their curriculum, claiming it boosts academic performance. Is there evidence for this? The answer is yes, but with caveats.
What studies show
A major 2016 meta-analysis (Sala and Gobet) examined 24 studies and found that chess instruction had a moderate positive effect on mathematics and a small positive effect on reading and overall cognitive ability. The effects were strongest for younger children (elementary school age).
Why chess might help
Chess develops skills that transfer to academics: concentration (sitting still and focusing), logical thinking (if-then reasoning), patience (delayed gratification), and problem-solving (breaking complex problems into steps). These skills are directly applicable to mathematics and science.
The caveats
The effects are modest, not transformative. Chess is not a substitute for quality teaching. The benefits may partly reflect selection bias (motivated students choose chess). And the effects are similar to other enrichment activities (music, art, coding). Chess is a good addition to education, not a miracle cure.