STUDENTS were given the chance to build their mental muscles during the national Chess Kids championship yesterday.More than 200 primary school students in the Mount Alexander and Goldfields region showed off their mental prowess during the challenge, held at the Castlemaine Gaol.Organiser Harry Poulton said the challenge aimed to develop many skills that were essential for growing adolescents. ‘‘Chess helps the children think before they act - and learn from their mistakes.’’Chess Kids founder David Cordover agrees that chess can encourage youngsters and build mental muscles.‘‘Chess helps the children realise their mental capacity.’’ Ten-year-old students Sophie Holland and James Broughton thought the day was fun because ‘‘it makes the mind work and is a challenging game’’.The winner of yesterday’s event will compete in the state finals in October