By Beth Smith, M. Ed. | #smithingifted

Chess is more than a game.

In our 3rd–5th grade gifted program, chess is one of the most powerful tools we use to help students think critically, plan ahead, solve problems, and build perseverance.

At first glance, students may see a chessboard, pieces, and rules. But once they begin playing, they quickly discover that chess is really about decision-making, strategy, patience, and learning how to think several moves ahead.

And that is exactly why chess belongs in the gifted classroom.

Why Chess Matters for Gifted Learners

Gifted students need opportunities to do more than complete work quickly or memorize information. They need meaningful challenges that stretch their thinking.

Chess gives students that challenge.

Every move requires students to ask:

• What is my plan?
• What might my opponent do next?
• What are the consequences of this move?
• Am I protecting my pieces?
• Is there a better strategy?

These are the same thinking skills students need in math, reading, writing, science, robotics, research, and real life.

Building Strategic Thinking

One of the biggest benefits of chess is that it teaches students to slow down and think.

In a world where students often want quick answers, chess teaches them to pause, analyze the board, and make thoughtful decisions.

They learn that every choice matters.

A move that looks good right now may create a problem three moves later. A small mistake can change the entire game. A smart sacrifice can lead to a stronger position.

That kind of thinking is powerful.

Learning with Real Chess Boards

In our gifted classroom, students learn chess using traditional chess boards.

There is something important about sitting across from another student, moving real pieces, reading the board, and practicing face-to-face sportsmanship.

Students learn how each piece moves, how to protect their king, how to plan attacks, and how to recover when their strategy does not work.

They also learn how to win with humility and lose with grace.

Those lessons matter.

Using ChessKid.com for Practice and Growth

We also use ChessKid.com as a digital tool to help students practice and grow.

ChessKid allows students to:

• Practice chess skills at their own level
• Complete puzzles and lessons
• Play safe online games
• Build confidence
• Learn strategies through guided practice

For gifted learners, this is especially helpful because students can move at different speeds. Some students are brand new to chess, while others already know advanced strategies. ChessKid gives every student a place to grow.

Preparing for the RISD Gifted Chess Tournament

One of the highlights of our year is participating in the annual RISD Gifted Chess Tournament.

Each year, our students have the opportunity to compete with other gifted students across the district. This gives them a real purpose for practicing and improving their skills.

The tournament is not about winning trophies.

It is about showing up prepared, thinking under pressure, respecting opponents, and doing your best.

Students learn how to handle competition, manage frustration, stay focused, and keep going even after a difficult match.

Those are gifted education lessons at their best.

Chess Builds Perseverance

Chess can be humbling.

Even strong students lose games. Even careful thinkers make mistakes. Even advanced players miss opportunities.

That is one of the reasons I love it.

Chess teaches gifted students that being smart does not mean everything will always be easy. It teaches them that effort, practice, reflection, and resilience matter.

After a game, students can look back and ask:

• Where did my strategy work?
• Where did I lose control of the board?
• What move would I change?
• What can I try next time?

That reflection turns every game into a learning experience.

More Than a Game

Chess supports so many skills we want our gifted students to develop:

• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Pattern recognition
• Focus and attention
• Decision-making
• Creativity
• Perseverance
• Sportsmanship
• Strategic planning

It is simple to start, but challenging enough to last a lifetime.

That makes it a perfect fit for 3rd–5th grade gifted students.

Final Thoughts

Chess has become an important part of our gifted program because it challenges students in all the right ways.

It gives them a place to think deeply, take risks, learn from mistakes, and grow as problem solvers.

Whether students are playing on a regular chess board, practicing on ChessKid.com, or competing at the RISD Gifted Chess Tournament, they are doing more than playing a game.

They are learning how to think.

And that is exactly what gifted education should be about.