gzt wrote on 07/01/11 at 19:03:24:


Yeah, I don't play other board games that often any more, but on the rare occasion that I do, I've noticed the same thing. Since starting to play chess regularly and getting used to stopping to think and blunder check, my ability at other strategy games has improved.

Uhohspaghettio wrote on 07/01/11 at 16:38:25:

I play other board games on occasion. I feel like my chess skills give me an advantage over people not used to what Dan Heisman calls "real chess" except applied to board games. However, against competent board gamers, the field is often levelled, especially as they are familiar with the tactics specific to certain game mechanics if we are all playing a new game or tactics specific to the game if playing one they are familiar with. I feel like it also shortens the learning curve for games, but, again, not compared to serious board gamers.

If playing chess can't even help you do significantly better in other board games, what chance does it have to help you do better in other things in life (as some claim)? I'm not claiming anything myself.