Chess or video games--which actually makes you smarter? The answer may surprise you.

Chess or video games--which actually makes you smarter? The answer may surprise you. People play chess all over the world, but can the game actually make you smarter? We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Every Christmas, my family follows the same script: a stack of board games hits the table, and a spirited debate breaks out over what we should play.