At the University of Pretoria, students and learners not only cultivate their academic skills but also enrich their social lives. Achieving a balance between these two aspects allows students to thrive and function more proficiently. Extramural activities play a vital role in this balance, connecting youth to a network of peers and fostering interactions that positively impact their development. One of the exciting extramural activities offered at the University of Pretoria is Chess.

Chess is a two-player strategy board game played on a chessboard, a checked game board with 64 squares arranged in an eight-by-eight grid. It is one of the world's most popular games, enjoyed by millions across the globe—whether at home, in parks, in clubs, online, through correspondence, or in tournaments. Despite its popularity, chess has often struggled with a perception problem, often viewed as a game for “brainiacs” or those with naturally high IQs.

This raises an intriguing question: do intelligent people gravitate towards chess, or does playing chess enhance intelligence? Research suggests the latter. At least one study indicates that engaging with chess can indeed improve a person’s intelligence quotient. A study involving 4,000 Venezuelan students demonstrated significant increases in IQ scores for both boys and girls after just four months of chess instruction.

At TuksChess, we believe in the power of chess to develop critical thinking, strategic planning, and cognitive skills, making it an ideal activity for students looking to enhance their academic and social experiences.