Breck Haining is the father of two children who participate in chess competitively. He learned from his father to play chess when he was 8 or 9 years old. Breck’s dad taught him how the pieces move and the general goal of the game. His brother got into learning tactics and Breck observed how much this improved his brother’s ability.

Years later, Breck’s own son came home from school and asked to learn how to play chess. Breck saw a parenting opportunity: chess can be a tool for so much more than chess itself.

Breck highlights that there are many choices in life and some are better than others. Chess allows children to learn independence of thought and to recognize long-term impacts. Life skill benefits just like those identified by Breck are why Chess4Life focuses on teaching life skills through chess. Chess can be a fun platform to develop those essential skills and attitudes.

You don’t have to be an expert chess player for your children to experience the benefits of chess. Learn more in the full interview here!