I was astounded recently after visiting friends who have two young children. The youngest, a mere five years old, was obsessed with chess. We played together for 40 minutes without a break, and he was completely absorbed in the game.
He knew all the pieces and rules. And although he lacked a cohesive strategy, that took nothing away from how impressed I was.
We discussed his moves, and how alternative moves opened up more options for him, and things were clicking in his brain.
It made me realise that games like chess provide a safe space where one can learn how each decision has consequences, and that making better decisions leads to better options and end games further down the road.