Problem-solving: Chess promotes efficient problem solving because success depends on the student's ability to fully assess a given game's problems as the game develops taking into account his own and opponent's strategy and drawing upon a collection of experience and prior knowledge.   It has been shown that primary school students given chess education to support their curriculum, on the average display accelerated levels of cognitive development than those following the traditional curriculum.

Critical Thinking:  A student of chess will not only analyze the situation on the chess board, but will draw upon a host of previous experiences and knowledge of the game to determine the best course of action.  Scientific studies have shown that strong chessplayers use different techniques for memorizing, than non chess players.

Decision Making:  A student of chess will learn to make thoughtfully considered, strategic decisions under pressure when he or she feels  they are  losing or the game is played with strict timing restrictions.  Then they must resist pressure and make a logical decision to come out victorious.  This same process is needed for effective exam performance.  Studies show improved exam performance in chess players and advanced chess players  in the ability of making  tough and abstract decisions.

Concentration:  In the age of computer games, television and Internet technology, educational experts have dreaded the lost of concentration levels in today's students.  Although these things are great in some ways they have caused a decrease in classroom learning and exam performance.  Educational researchers upon testing have shown that chess playing students show increase aptitude for concentration, patience and perseverance.