Ever wondered how various parts of your brain work together to make decisions?
Scientists at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) released a study in 1994 which identified the parts of the brain that are used in complex problem solving.
There is a processing network that is distributed throughout the brain, according to Dr. Jordan Grafman, who heads the Institute’s Cognitive Neuroscience Section.
Here is what’s happening as you are about to checkmate your opponent:
- All your chess knowledge and experience is retrieved for your next move.
- You see the pieces on the board and mentally separate the color-coded pieces. This activate both sides of the brain toward the back of the head used for visual processing.
- You analyze the pieces positions on the board, identify the value of each, and retrieve the rules of the game for your move. This activates two parts on the left side of the brain, a small structure deep in the brain used for indexing memories and a structure in an area near the left ear associated with memory storage.
- You recognize specific patterns that show when you have an advantage over your opponent. The checkmate judgment activates areas on both sides near the front of the brain crucial for planning and in the back of the brain important for generating images.
- You analyze the consequences of your potential moves and the countermoves of your opponent.
Then, BANG, you boldly make your move and declare checkmate.
Impressive, that brain of yours.
By the way, you can try this brain exercise at home. Check out our chess program at our website: braingamessoftware.com.
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