In principle, chess is a sport, but to me it is also a combination of science and art. During a chess game you constantly have to create plans and ideas that you will carry out on the board. That is where the art lies. At the same time, chess is also a science, because strategy and tactics must be continually studied and improved.
Chess as Sport, Science and Art
Benjamin Franklin, the American scientist and philosopher, wrote that chess teaches a person how to think in difficult situations and work toward solutions, while the Spanish writer Cervantes compared human life to a game of chess.
The game has roots going back more than two thousand years, with its modern form developing from the Indian game chaturanga. Through the centuries chess has remained both a sporting and an intellectual challenge.
Many specialists believe that playing chess from an early age supports the development of intelligence, memory and concentration. International Master Petar Benković of Sremska Mitrovica – a FIDE Trainer, chess arbiter and coach who has worked extensively with children – shares that view.
Beginnings and Chess Journey
Petar says that his love of chess developed from an early age. He began playing seriously as a child, and because chess was common in his family, entering the world of the game came naturally.
Chess opened many doors for him and allowed him to travel around the world. Through tournaments and coaching he encountered many countries, cultures and people, and he particularly values the experience of working with children and students from different backgrounds.
In the interview he also speaks about working in China, where he taught at a chess school for children. He says that the experience was extremely valuable and that communication with the students worked well despite the significant language barrier.
Horizont Chess Association
The Horizont Chess Association was founded with the aim of strengthening chess in Sremska Mitrovica and bringing the game closer to new generations. Lessons were held in the premises of the Blok B local community.
In the article Petar thanks the people who helped the association obtain a venue and suitable working conditions, because children needed a place where they could practise, play and learn regularly.
Children who attend the classes often develop a genuine love for chess. Some learn the fundamentals, some improve their attention through workshops and memory exercises, and some gradually move into competitive chess.
Working with Children
Petar explains that chess helps children develop concentration, patience and the ability to think ahead. Through a chess game they learn that every decision has consequences – a lesson that transfers naturally to everyday life.
His only goal is not for children always to achieve the best tournament results. He also wants them to learn skills connected with chess and everyday life: sound thinking, memory, combinational ability, perseverance and respect for the opponent.
The article also stresses that physical activity is important alongside the study of strategy. As a young player, Petar himself ran regularly because chess games and tournaments require stamina, concentration and energy.
The Children’s Voices
The newspaper article also introduces young members of the association. Lana Jovanović says she likes chess because there is always something to learn and her goal is to improve. Mihajlo Vasić says he began playing in kindergarten and enjoys tournaments, practice and playing games.
Their short comments illustrate the central idea of the interview: for children, chess is not only a game, but also a space for thinking, friendship, work and personal growth.
Source: newspaper interview “Šah je spoj umetnosti i nauke”, M novine, 19 February 2020. Photo: B. Tučaković. The text has been reformatted and adapted for web reading from the original newspaper pages.