The benefits of chess for people of all ages are well established. Chess improves concentration, memory function, spatial and problem-solving skills; builds self-confidence and increases self-awareness; teaches fair play, planning and foresight; helps with socialization; aids with rehabilitation therapy. These benefits are important for both able-bodied and disabled people but they become crucial for the blind and visually impaired.

Indeed, chess is the only sport where blind and visually impaired people can compete against able-bodied people in the same competition, not in a separate Paralympic division. This is made possible by specialized Braille equipment and a section of the Laws of Chess that provides guidelines for accommodation on non-seeing players.