Both doctors and chess players must confront a degree of uncertainty. This type of reflection builds analytical intelligence and supports mental processes that are used in empathy.Īs diagnosticians, doctors actively build their analytical intelligence through experience. Using a unique identifier for each of the 64 squares on the chessboard, chess notation allows players to meticulously review their past games in order to understand exactly where they went wrong.
Chess requires players to methodically analyze their past games and relive losses in order to improve. However, losing is a fundamental part of the learning process. Speaking from personal experience, there’s an initial shame and disappointment that comes with losing. As a game where etiquette is highly valued, chess offers valuable lessons on sportsmanship, leading players to develop a heightened understanding of proper social interaction. In terms of developing affective empathy, chess teaches players about losing gracefully and navigating interpersonal relationships. Chess helps people develop both types of empathy. While cognitive empathy relates to understanding the rational decision-making of others, affective empathy is the ability to understand another person’s emotions and respond accordingly. Social psychologists broadly divide empathy into two categories: cognitive and affective. Chess was my first experience with empathy that I can remember. Now, thirteen years later, as I matriculate to medical school, I’ve realized chess has taught me other important lessons related to medicine. Indeed, research has shown that learning chess is linked to improved metacognition-an awareness of our own cognitive processes and products. This early exposure to cognitive biases taught me the importance of slowing down to question my own thinking, especially in circumstances where you believe you are knowledgeable. Because I was so certain I recognized her using the more popular strategy, I failed to see the whole picture. After reviewing the game with my coach, I discovered my opponent used a less well-known version of the four-move checkmate.
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