Chess becomes compulsory in Armenia’s schools

Chess is to become compulsory in Armenian schools, with the former Soviet state having confirmed that the game will be put on the curriculum alongside History and Maths for all children aged between 7 and 9.

The aim, according to education officials in the country, is to improve the character of the nation’s children, focus their sense of responsibility, and encourage them to get better at concentrating on tasks.

Chess is hugely popular in Armenia, thanks largely to the exploits of 60s world champion Tigran Petrosian. Earlier this year, Armenia won the World Team Chess Championship in Ningbo, China, while the country’s player Levon Aronian is currently ranked third in the international chess rankings.