Youth and Chess- A Great Combination!

In sports, in games, and just about in everything we do, we often strive to be the best. At least, the best that we can be. But what if you wake up everyday and realize that you already are the best in this entire world? What about being number one in the world at the age of 21?

Magnus Carlsen is the highest rated chess player in the world today. His rating, 2837, puts him at the top of the FIDE rating list. What’s even more impressive is that Carlsen, only 21, is the youngest among the elite. But what else makes him different from other top players? Is it that he is a fashion model? Is it that that he gets more upset when he loses Monopoly than chess? Or is it that that he joined the 2800 club by becoming only the 5th player in history to achieve a rating over 2800 at 18? Whatever it is, Carlsen attracts attention and publicity like a magnet. Besides the fact that he is just really, really good at chess, people are interested in him because of his youth.

Magnus Carlsen - chess player and fashion model.

Chess is one of those things, along with math and music, where child prodigies do exist. People of all ages play chess on relatively equal ground, unlike most other sports. As a result, it is not uncommon for us to see kids beating their parents at home or young players finishing better than adults in tournaments. In fact, one’s potential in chess could be fully exploited only when one learns chess at a young age. 

Thinking hard - chess is a great mental sport for kids!

Chess and youth mash so well together that indeed it is one of the reasons why we target Chess in the Library for kids. Of course, we don’t expect all kids to develop into Carlsens or even competitive players. What matters is just for the children to learn and enjoy the game and see where chess takes them. And well, who knows where it could take them?

Outreach Coordinator,

Tina Fang