How chess is becoming more inclusive and popular among teens

Chess has been a beloved game for centuries, but recently it has seen a surge in popularity among teenagers in the United States. High schoolers and middle schoolers play chess on their phones between classes, during orchestra practice, and even at social events. Teachers are struggling to deal with the distraction that chess has become, as the sudden surge in popularity is causing disruptions in classrooms. In this article, we explore the reasons behind the sudden obsession with chess among teens.

Factors behind the sudden obsession

There are a few factors at play that have led to the sudden surge in the popularity of chess among teenagers. Firstly, the success of the Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit has certainly played a role in the game’s resurgence. The show brought renewed attention to the game and made it more accessible to a wider audience. Secondly, chess has seen a surge in popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, where content creators like GothamChess have amassed millions of followers.

More women and girls are playing chess thanks to The Queen’s Gambit and the rise of female chess players.

But perhaps the most surprising reason for chess’s newfound popularity is the fact that it is no longer seen as a game for geniuses. Teens are dismantling the mental barriers to entry and being unabashedly bad at the game. Chess.com CEO Erik Allebest says, “Everyone plays bad chess, except for the very top players. Why not celebrate that? It’s how we all play.”

Benefits of playing chess

Despite its perceived complexity, chess has undeniable benefits. It teaches problem-solving, patience, reasoning, and creative thinking, making it a valuable tool for any student. Chess remains an intimidating game for many, and there is a lot of strategy to learn, making it feel overwhelming to catch up. However, the game’s benefits are worth the effort, and it has become a wholesome new activity that schools are rushing to incorporate.

One of the most significant changes brought about by chess’s new popularity is the fact that it is breaking down gender barriers. Traditionally seen as a men’s game, more women and girls are playing chess thanks to The Queen’s Gambit and the rise of female chess players on social media platforms. Chess content, called #ChessTok, is carving out its own spot on TikTok, making the game more accessible to even more people. More students are starting chess clubs, and teachers are welcoming the new hobby.

Chess is a classic game that teaches valuable life skills, and it is exciting to see it finding a new generation of players.

In January, Chess.com had 10 million active members. By April, it hit around 12 million per day. The sudden surge in popularity caused the company to upgrade its servers significantly, as more and more people turned to the game as a way to pass the time during lockdowns. The surge in popularity has been especially noticeable among teens, who are playing the game on their phones and engaging with chess memes and other content. Many schools allow chess to be played past their firewalls, contributing to its ubiquity.

The future of chess

It’s hard to predict where the sudden popularity of chess will go from here, but it’s clear that the game is no longer just for chess clubs and grandmasters. Teens across the United States are embracing the game and all its complexities, playing it with friends, analyzing strategies, and having fun. Chess is a classic game that teaches valuable life skills, and it is exciting to see it finding a new generation of players.

In conclusion, the surge in popularity of chess among teenagers in the United States can be attributed to several factors, including the success of The Queen’s Gambit, social media platforms, and the fact that it is no longer seen as a game for geniuses. The benefits of playing chess are undeniable, and the