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QI recently was introduced to our neighbor's 8-year-old grandson, who has been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The child has been extensively evaluated by medical practitioners, pediatricians and psychologists, and he has been on medication for five weeks.

I'm still reading up on this matter, and I saw some of your articles. However, before I was aware of his diagnosis, I was told that he had a problem sitting still and concentrating for any length of time. I immediately suggested that he be exposed to the game of chess, because my experience is that playing this game improves concentration and thought processes, and builds self-esteem. Some time ago, I also read a doctoral thesis from South Africa that dealt with chess as a tool to help children with learning difficulties.

I've been teaching this boy to play chess for about two weeks, and he's able to sit still for up to two hours while playing. I'm pleasantly surprised by his grasp of the game and his thought processes. Do you have any views on teaching chess to children with ADHD?

I'd also like to know whether one can overstimulate a child with playing chess, and if so, what's the maximum time this child ought to be playing the game?

AThe relationship between chess and acquiring math, reading and critical-thinking skills is fairly strong. One study showed critical-thinking skills improved by 17 percent in students taking chess classes, compared with 5 percent for other classes. Chess also teaches patience and courtesy while waiting for your opponent to make a move.

I think one reason playing chess can enhance learning is that the child realizes chess, unlike other games dependent mostly on chance, demands skill and a plan to win. This makes winning such a game so much fun that kids may want to translate skills and planning to other areas, such as schoolwork.

There are no real data, but there are lots of anecdotes about chess improving concentration and focus in ADHD kids. And this can translate into better school performance.

Indeed, professional chess players in international tournaments are tested for Ritalin, a drug that improves focus, just as athletes are tested for bodybuilding steroids. However, some children with ADHD become more distracted with the stress of competing, so parents can't assume that chess is a panacea for everything.

The best thing about chess is that it provides attention from an adult and time away from TV! Both factors benefit all children, whether or not they have ADHD.

When you think about it, zoning out in front of a television set is the direct opposite of focus.

You just figuratively inhale what the network presents, commercials and all.

My father taught me and all his grandchildren how to play chess. For me, it was a very precious time. I knew my father played postcard chess with a brother who lived across the country. (These were the days before cheap cross-country flights and long-distance calls, so my father and uncle did not often meet.) My dad kept one chessboard set up for this cross-country game and looked forward to his brother's next move.

I knew this game was special for my father, and it was a great honor when I was considered knowledgeable enough to move Uncle George's men on the board. Playing a game of chess with my father was a great treat. Winning was like being awarded an Oscar.

I don't play chess anymore, and neither do my children, but it taught me a lot about thinking ahead and planning a strategy. Chess also taught me something about family ties and the importance and joy of imparting the skills you've learned — whether they be chess or cooking or fishing — to your child.

It sounds as though the boy you're teaching is taking to the game of chess very well, and it's improving his ability to concentrate, which I hope will translate into better school performance.

There's no danger of overstimulation — either the child will stop playing or the adult can tell from the child's behavior and body language that it's time to stop.