Introduction. The development of cognitive skills occurs in an environment that encourages curiosity, questioning and exploration; thus, educators must generate strategies that stimulate it, which is why this study was conducted. Objective. To develop a teaching strategy based on the use of the online chess platform for the development of cognitive skills. Methodology. Quantitative approach, practical, field, and transversal purpose, and descriptive scope. The technique used was the survey and as an instrument a questionnaire was applied to 64 students who made up the sample. Results. The results indicate a central tendency in the development of cognitive skills among students, locating the highest average in the memory dimension with 56.25% in the never alternative; in the dimensions: attention, reasoning, creativity, this tendency was also revealed; placing them in the inadequate level. A teaching strategy was designed based on the use of an online chess platform for the development of cognitive skills. Conclusion. The learners showed deficiencies in the elements considered for an adequate development of cognitive skills, highlighting the critical areas that require attention, as they face serious difficulties in the development of skills such as memory, attention, perception, reasoning, and creativity. General area of study: Education. Specific area of study: Pedagogy in digital environments. Study type: Original articles.