Chess has been called the game of kings and the king of games. Many think chess is "only a game." Many dismiss chess as "too hard" or only for the very smart or very old. Chess is many things and it is important for CALO families to know why there is so much chess at CALO.

Chess is ancient.  Many countries try to claim its origin.  All we can be sure of is that chess originated somewhere in the middle-east thousands of years ago and it spread to all parts of the globe.  The abilities, powers, and shapes of the pieces have evolved over time into their present form. Chess is taught in many countries as a standard and imperative part of the curriculum alongside of math, science, and literature. Computer programmers have only recently created chess programs which can equal and in some cases eclipse the power of the human mind. Scientists have studied the effects of chess instruction on learning.  These effects are well-documented.  These effects are why chess is so prolific at CALO.

In a controlled scientific study, students were divided into several groups.  One group received normal math instruction. A second group received the same math instruction mixed with chess instruction. The second group essentially had less pure math instruction. Even with this in mind, the second group outperformed the others regarding math problem-solving skills. More...