More bad news for chess….

Brain-booster theory checkmated

Interesting article in Psychology Today that calls into doubt much of the hype that journalists have been selling as hard, proven fact. (The above link might not work; do a Google search instead). While chess and music are worthwhile activities on their own, neither makes your child smarter:

“Journalists, in contrast, have less interest in scientific objectivity. Instead, they want to report on a hot story before they get scooped. And studies that show children getting a cognitive boost from learning chess or a musical instrument make for good copy. So parents, who get their information about the latest research on child-rearing from the mainstream media, can easily be duped by shoddy science.”

The latest scientific research is yet one more nail in chess’ promotional coffin. Numerous chess journalists have also been exaggerating chess’ natural ability to delay or eliminate all together alzheimer’s disease. There is absolutely no scientific evidence to back this up.

Time for chess promotors to become honest men and promote the game for what it really is: good clean fun.