Chess can be a source of great joy. There are many advantages of learning to play chess at a young age like improving concentration, logic, spacial thinking etc. My dad taught me when I was 5 and he doesn't regret it, nor does I as an adult now.

Will playing chess cause social isolation? i don't think so. In fact, for me it is quite the opposite - i have made some good friends through chess, and it has added another branch to my social network. Some particular local competitions are more social events than chess events, as I know most of the kids there from the chess circuit, and we have a laugh and mess around. Then again, maybe it's because I'm a girl and I think there are more solidary boys than girls.

So should you teach chess to your children? I don't have any children of my own right now, but if I did, and provided they wanted to learn, I would have no hesitation in teaching them.

What do you think? Would you teach your kids to play chess? Have you already done so? If so, do you regret it?