Playing the game can help to fight dementia

IF you're asked to imagine a typical chess game, the stereotype used to be one of two elderly gentlemen in an old-fashioned café or park.

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It’s a decent (but boring) way to while away the hours, we thought.

But now, thanks to statistical and scientific evidence, we know differently.

According to the International Chess Federation and chess websites, the game is now as likely to be played by young adults or children as the elderly, and the gender stereotype also doesn’t fit: women and girls are almost as likely to play chess as boys and men.

Often, games are played on a mobile app. Online is challenging over-the-board for popularity, even among serious competitive players.