There is a lot of evidence that chess is good for your brain health. For example, kids between grade school and high school, see very positive results when they play chess. These results are because chess is known to enhance analytical thinking, critical thinking, and visualization skills.
Chess is also instrumental in the enrichment of critical thinking and good judgment skills. Chess can also help improve mental acuity in adults. Chess teaches you to be able to understand complicated cause and effect patterns. It has also been shown to elevate emotional intelligence and psychosocial skills.