Chess is an exercise of infinite possibilities for the mind which develops mental abilities used throughout life: Concentration, critical thinking, abstract reasoning, problem solving, pattern recognition, strategic planning, creativity, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, to name a few. Chess can be used very effectively as a tool to teach problem solving and abstract reasoning. Learning how to solve a problem is more important than learning the solution to any particular problem. Through chess, we learn how to analyze a situation by focusing on crucial factors and by eliminating distractions. We learn to devise creative solutions and put a plan into action. Chess works because it is self-motivating.