More than any other game, chess has the potential to transform a child. If taught correctly, chess can be a student's driving force, helping him/her in every aspect of critical thinking development.

Chess is also extremely beneficial in raising self-esteem, teaching determination, self-motivation and sportsmanship. It's one of the few positive in-school and extra-curricular activities for students of all ages and from all backgrounds. Chess is the one great equalizer in education, in which anyone with determination to succeed can excel.

But don't just take our word for it. Check out what the experts have been saying about chess as a key component in a child's education:

• A 2-yr study conducted in NY by IBM found that learning chess improves reading test scores and reading performance in elementary schools. Source: Dr. Stuart Marguilies

• Grades increased in all subjects for young students taking part in a chess experiment. Source: Education Ministry of Moldova

• Learning chess improves both memory and verbal reasoning skills. Source: Dr. Robert Ferguson: A one year study in Bradford, 6th grade children

• Learning chess improves mathematical problem solving abilities. Source: Louis Gourdreau

• Learning chess had a positive influence on the development of both numerical and verbal aptitudes. Source: Albert Frank: A one year study of high school students in Zaire

• A knowledge of chess is encouraged as a way to develop a preschooler's intellect and academic readiness.

• Learning chess promotes earlier development of intellectual maturation and cognitive abilities. Source: John Christiann: A study of elementary school students in Belguim

• In just one year, chess tuition will improve a student's learning abilities, concentration, application, sense of logic, self-discipline, respect, behavior and the ability to take responsibility for his/her own actions. Source: Garry Kasparov