Why Having a Dog is Good for Chess players and You

Chess is a beautiful game. But, just like any other mind games, having a break from chess means refreshing your mind for the next game or tournament. As they say, there is more to life than chess.

To break free from chess or any other challenging or stressful task, the best way is to simply travel to a place you have never been before. But, if you cannot travel at the moment because of restrictions as a result of the pandemic, one better option is to have a dog.

A dog is a man's best friend and the most loyal companion you can have. In fact, it is said that a dog is the only animal on earth who loves you more than it loves itself. A dog will always be on your side no matter what. This is what makes a dog a perfect companion for chessplayers. 

A dog can make the life of a chessplayer a little less stressful. There had been scientific studies showing that having a pet dog reduces stress and lowers blood pressure. By the simple act of petting your dog, it easy to feel how stress seems to leave your mind and body. That simple act creates a  certain connection where you suddenly feel that you are no longer isolated. In playing chess, more if it is online,  the feeling of isolation is greater compared to a game played over the board. With a dog beside you, the feeling of being alone is lessened while you play chess online.

The way dogs prevent us from being lonely and isolated is something that not only chessplayers would benefit from. Everyone needs to be reminded that they are not alone. That there will always be someone or somebody they can always interact with.  Chess is a game that will provide a challenging interaction and reminder that you are not alone. And with a dog on your side, even if you lose several games, you will always have a companion who will understand your sufferings both on the chessboard and in real life.