Chess identified as cognitive training tool for high-performance sports

Studies suggest that chess can serve as a complementary cognitive training tool for high-performance athletes. The game requires rapid information processing, attention, and adaptability—skills essential in sports where a single error in decision-making can determine the outcome of a match or championship.

While chess does not replace physical, technical, or psychological preparation, it engages neural networks involved in memory, planning, and inhibitory control. Psychologist Bianca Domingues notes that the logic of a chess match mirrors competitive sports, requiring athletes to plan actions and immediately modify them based on an opponent's response. This process helps develop cognitive flexibility, task switching, and the ability to revise plans in real-time.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) estimates that approximately 600 million people practice chess worldwide.