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Home » Chess Resources and Tools » Chess History: The Astonishing History of Chess (With Timeline)

Chess History: The Astonishing History of Chess (With Timeline)

There is no one in this world that have not played chess at one time or the other. The oldest skill game in the world is said to be chess, but it is not only a skill game but something more than that. Through chess we come to know about the lives of the people of the medieval times.

Last Updated: October 15th, 2021

By looking carefully at the chess board and studying how the pieces are placed and the way they are used we realize that chess is the small form by which the medieval life can be explained. The cross section of the medieval life with all its ceremonies, wars and splendor are all represented through the six different chess pieces in the board.

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Overview of Chess History

Chess has a long and interesting history. The game has undergone many changes from its earliest forms in India.

The modern version of the chess that we play and enjoy in the present time wasn’t known until the 16th century, i.e. after a long time from its invention.

There were no chess clocks , not enough standardized rules , the pieces and many other components were not standardized as they are today until the 19th century.

Even the official World Chess Championship title didn’t come into existence until the late 19th century.

This happened shortly after the tournaments were held on such a massive scale. Many players also started developing their unique styles of playing chess.

In today’s world of chess, books are an important component of practice for players. Can you imagine learning and trying to improve without chess books ?

But did you know that the first chess book, “Chess Made Easy”, by J. Humphreys back to the 19th century in 1802 was published?

There were no books on the openings till 1843, then the opening theory was unknown to the players at that time.

Let’s take a deep look at the history of chess.

Timeline of Chess History

Have you ever wondered when the game of chess was invented and How it developed to such an extent to reach its present form till now?

Do you know when the various modern rules such as the en passant and castling were introduced? Or who the first official World Champion was?

If you want to know the answers to these questions about chess and much more, then keep reading this article.

Let’s start with the timeline of the most popular moments in the chess

Timeline of Chess History (6th Century – 2020)

Chess came into existence in the 6th century AD.

Chess is an ancient game, approximately 1500 years old. This game originated in northern India in the 6th century AD as Chaturanga and spread to Persia.

If you want to get to know about the complete history of chess, then read this timeline carefully.

Earliest History of Chess

Let’s Know the major events in the History of Chess that had occured back to early 6th century.

• 6th century – The game chaturanga (the common ancestor of the board games chess, shongi, xiangqi, and janggi) evolved into its current form around this time in India. This is the starting of the evolution of one of the earliest games in the world.
• 569 – A Chinese emperor Wu of Northern Zhou wrote a book of xiangqi (Chinese chess), namely Xiang Jing.
• 600 – Persian game of shatranj, the direct ancestor of modern chess, was mentioned in writing known as the Karnamuk-i-Artakhshatr-i-Papaakan. Shatranj was initially called “Chatrang” in Persian, which was later renamed as the Shatranj.
• 720 – The game of Chess spreads across the Islamic world from Persia, which is the starting of the spread of the game of chess, which has become very popular all over the world, gradually.
• 840 – Earliest surviving chess problems by Caliph Billah of England.
• 900 – Paragraph on Chess in the Chinese work Huan Kwai Lu ( ‘Book of Marvels’).
• 997 – The Chess is mentioned at this time in the Versus de scachis which spread the influence of the game of chess in Christian Western Europe.
• 10th century – As Suli introduces the world to Kitab Ash-Shatranj the earliest known work to take a scientific approach to chess strategy.
• late 10th century – Dark and light squares are introduced on a chessboard in the chess theory.
• 1173 – It was the first time when the chess games are been recorded by the use of algebraic chess notation
• 1283 – Alfonso X composed the Libro de Los Juegos with a large collection of chess problems.
• late 13th century – This was The Era of New Rules Formation.  At this time, the new Chess Rule was formulated which allowed the Pawns to move two ranks on the first move.
• late 14th century – The new rule of the en passant is introduced in chess.
• 1422 – In this year, the rule of the draw is changed which states that the situation of the stalemate results in the draw.
• 1471 – The Gottingen manuscript is the first book to deal solely with chess published at this time.
• 1474 – William Caxton published The first chess book in English called ‘The Game and Playe of Chesse’.
• 1497 – Luis Ramirez Lucena, the famous Spanish chess player published his first still-existing chess book named ‘Repetición de Amores y Arte de Ajedrez con 101 Juegos de Partido’ in Salamanca, Europe, in this period of time.
• 1475–1525 – The modern moves for the queen, bishop, and castling are adopted for the official games of chess.

16th Century Chess Events

Now, Let’s know the major events in the History of Chess and its formation in the sixteenth century.

In this era, the formation of chess is different from what we have discussed above.

• 1510 – Marco Girolamo Vida wrote Scacchia Ludus (The Game Of Chess) with the first reference to the Goddess Of Chess.
• 1512 – Pedro Damiano published his book named ‘Questo Libro e da imparare giocare a scachi et de li partiti’, which focuses on the chess strategy in detail.
• 1561 – At this Time, Ruy Lopez, The famous Spaniard Chess player, wrote his book Libro de la invención liberal y Arte del Juego del axedrez, in which he coins the word ‘gambit’ to describe opening sacrifices in chess.
• 1575 – There is a well-known championship held in Madrid which is played between two Italian Players named Giovanni Leonardo and Paolo Boi along with the two Spanish players named Ruy Lopez and Alfonso Ceron. This Tournament was won by Leonardo wins, Boi was the Runner-up, Lopez got the Third position and Ceron had to be satisfied with the fourth position.

17th Century Chess Events

Now, Let’s know the major events in the History of Chess and its formation in the 17th century. So, let’s take a look over some of the Manuscripts from this time period.

• 1620-24 – Gioachino Greco writes several manuscripts on the Chess Strategy. In this, he introduced the first known descriptions of Fool’s Mate and Smothered Mate, as well as in the numerous opening traps in chess. His overall strategy promotes aggressive play. Due to the Greco’s works openings such as the King’s Gambit Accepted or the Giuoco Piano, popularized throughout the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
• 1934 – Alessandro Salvio publishes the II Puttino, a book that describes the  Italian Chess Masters of the previous century.
• 1690 – Openings are now systematically classified under a system of chess by the Traité de Lausanne.

18th Century Chess Events

Now, let’s go through the main events in the history of chess and its formation in the 18th century. At first, take a look over the algebraic chess notation from this time period.

• 1737 – The Famous Syrian Chess player, Philip Stamma published his book named as ‘Essai sur le jeu des échecs’. The main feature of this book is an early form of the algebraic notation (for example, ‘1. e4 e5’ in the modern notation would be written as the ‘p e 5 | p e 5’  in the Stamma’s). The First half of this chess book primarily concerns the opening theory, gambits, and the second half gives a detailed explanation of the endgame theory of chess.
• 1744 – The famous French Chess player, Francois-Andre Danican Philidor plays two opponents blindfolded in Paris, for the first time in the history of chess.
• 1745 – Philip Stamma’s work (Essai sur le jeu des échecs’)  is translated from French to English, and it is published as ‘The Noble Game Of Chess’ and spread to the large part of the world.
• 1747 – Philidor decisively defeats Stamma in 8/9 games while visiting London, instantly gaining international fame.
• 1763 – The Caissa, the chess muse was invented by Sir William Jones at this time.
• 1783 – Philidor plays three blindfolded games simultaneously with three different strong chess players.

19th Century Chess Events

Now, Let’s know the major events, including the formation in the 19th century.

Ivory chess sets shines in this time of chess as a part of a beautiful chess sculpture. They were made from pure ivory of animals and were very expensive.

• 1802 –  J. Humphreys published the famous American chess book named as the  Chess Made Easy.
• 1824 – The Earliest known British correspondence chess match was held in the city of London.
• 1834 – Earliest recorded international challenge match was held between Alexander McDonnell (Ireland) and Louis de la Bourdonnais (France) at the Westminster Chess Club, London.
• 1845 – The use of the Telegraph had been started to transmit moves in a match between London and Portsmouth.
• 1846 – Deutsche Schachzeitung became the first German chess magazine that was published in Germany.
• 1848 – The famous incidence of a game played between the blind players happened.
• 1849 – The history of the chess set came out with a spectacular change at this time. At this time, a wonderful chess set: the Staunton chess set is created by Nathaniel Cooke.
• 1851 – First international chess tournament was held in London, which was won by Adolf Anderssen, the player of Prussia.
• 1852 – This time brought a major change in the game of chess. At this time, the chess matches are timed for the first time by the use of Sandglasses.
• 1857 – The United Kingdom Chess Association was formed which boosted the level of development of chess in the U.K.
• 1859 – Paul Morphy was declared as an unofficial world champion after two years of international play against the world’s top players in the area of the USA and Europe.
• 1861 – For the first time the Chess Games are played via the transoceanic cables from Dublin and Liverpool.
• 1867 – The use of mechanical chess clocks are started in games in the official tournaments. Mechanical Chess Clocks is the biggest change in this era of a Chess game. Now the timings of the Chess games could be recorded.
• 1871 – The first chess book on endgames was published by Durand.
• 1873 – The Neustadtl Score system is used for the first time in the chess tournaments.
• 1877 – The Deutsche Schachbund was formed in this year.
• 1879 – The New Zealand Chess Championship which became the longest-running national chess championship in the world in chess history.
• 1883 – The Forsyth-Edwards Notation which is a type of notation that was used to describe any possible chess Position of The chessboard, was invented this year.
• 1886 – First World Chess Championship: The First official World Chess Championship match held between GM Wilhelm Steinitz and GM Johannes Zukertort, which was won by GM Steinitz with the score of 12½–7½ to become the first official world chess champion in Chess History.
• 1888 – The First international correspondence Chess tournament was organized this year.
• 1889 – Second World Chess Championship: GM Wilhelm Steinitz successfully regains his title in World Championship Held in Havana.
• 1891 – Third  World Chess Championship: GM Wilhelm Steinitz successfully regains his title in the world championship held in New York.
• 1892 – Fourth World Chess Championship: GM Wilhelm Steinitz successfully regains his title in World Championship Held in Havana.
• 1894 – Fifth World Chess Championship: GM Emmanuel Lasker defeats GM Wilhelm Steinitz in a world chess championship match to become the fifth official world chess champion held in New York of chess history.
• 1897 – Sixth World Chess Championship: GM Emanuel Lasker successfully regains his title in World Championship Held in Moscow.
• 1899 – Chess clocks now have timeout flags for the first time.

20th Century Chess Events

Now, Let’s know the major events in the History of Chess and its formation in the 19th century. So, let’s take a look over some of the chess clocks and world chess champions from this time period.

• 1902 – First radio chess match was played by the players on two American ships.
• 1904 – The Establishment of the British  Chess Federation (BCF).
• 1907 – Seventh World Chess Championship: GM Emanuel Lasker successfully regains his title in World Championship Held in the USA.
• 1908 – Eight World Chess Championship: GM Emanuel Lasker successfully regains his title in World Championship Held in Germany.
• 1910 – Ninth World Chess Championship: GM Emanuel Lasker successfully regains his title in World Championship Held in Germany.
• 1910 – The famous Cuban Chess Player José Raúl Capablanca is the first chess player to win a major tournament chess tournament that was held in the City of New York by winning all the matches.
• 1911 – The simultaneous exhibition came into existence in chess with more than 100 participants at a time.
• 1912 –  Akiba Rubinstein became the first chess Grandmaster in chess world history.
• 1913 – The invention of the grasshopper as the first fairy chess piece which traced its origin from the Renaissance incidence.
• 1921 – Tenth World Chess Championship: José Raúl Capablanca defeats Emmanuel Lasker in Havana to become the tenth official world chess champion.
• 1924 – Establishment of the international chess federation, Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), which is the most important incident in chess history.
• 1927 – The First official Chess Olympiad is organized in London.
• 1927 – Eleventh World Chess Championship: Alexander Alekhine defeats Capablanca at Buenos Aires and becomes the eleventh official world chess champion in chess history.
• 1929 – Twelfth World Chess Championship: GM Alexander Alekhine successfully regains his title in World Championship Held in Germany and Netherlands.
• 1934 – Thirteenth World Chess Championship: The famous Russian Chess GM Alexander Alekhine defeats Capablanca at Buenos Aires and becomes the thirteenth official world chess champion in chess history.
• 1935 – Fourteenth World Chess Championship: The Famous Dutch GM Max Euwe wins the world championship title from Alexander Alekhine in the Netherlands and became the fourteenth official world chess champion.
• 1937 – Fifteenth World Chess Championship: The Famous Russian GM Alexander Alekhine wins the world championship title from Max Euwe in the Netherlands and became the fifteenth official world chess champion.
• 1937 – Famous Belgium born American Chess Player George Koltanowski sets a world record for simultaneous blindfold play against 34 opponents.
• 1948 – Sixteenth World Chess Championship: The famous Soviet chess player Mikhail Botvinnik wins the 1948 World Chess Championship, which was held at The Hague (Netherlands) and Moscow (USSR) and became the sixteenth official world chess champion of chess history.
• 1950 – The Official Titles of the International Grandmaster (GM) and International Master (IM) were introduced by the FIDE  to indicate the chess achievements of the chess player for the first time in chess history.
• 1951 –  Seventeenth World Chess Championship: The Famous Russian GM Mikhail Botvinnik wins the world championship title held in Moscow and became the seventeenth official world chess champion.
• 1951 – The first World Junior Chess Championship held for the players of the age under 20 years. In which Borislav Ivkov won the First World Junior Chess Champion Title.
• 1954 – Eighteenth World Chess Championship: The Famous Russian GM Mikhail Botvinnik wins the world championship title held in Moscow and became the eighteenth official world chess champion.
• 1957 – Nineteenth World Chess Championship: The famous Soviet Chess player Vasily Smyslov defeats USSR player Botvinnik and becomes the Nineteenth official world chess champion of chess history.
• 1958 – Twentieth World Chess Championship: GM Mikhail Botvinnik defeats Smyslov in a rematch by the score 12½–10½ to regain the title of World Chess Champion.
• 1958 – The Famous Chess player Bobby Fischer qualifies for the 1959 Candidates Match, becoming the youngest ever Grandmaster. This record would stand until 1991.
• 1960 – Twenty-First World Chess Championship: The Famous USSR chess player Mikhail Tal, who is known as the ‘magician of the chess’ defeats GM Botvinnik to become the eighth official world champion and the youngest-ever world champion (a record later broken by Garry Kasparov, who earned the title at 22) in chess history.
• 1961 – Twenty-Second World Chess Championship: Botvinnik defeats Mikhail Tal in a rematch to regain the title.
• 1963 – Twenty-Third World Chess Championship: GM Tigran Petrosian defeats GM Botvinnik 12½–9½ to become the Twenty Third World Chess Champion of chess history.
• 1966 – Twenty-Fourth World Chess Championship: GM Tigran Petrosian retains its title of The World Chess Champion.
• 1967 – The famous Denmark player Bent Larsen won the Sousse Interzonal. Bent Larsen also wins the first Chess Oscar.
• 1969 – Twenty-Fifth World Chess Championship: The Russian Chess GM Boris Spassky defeats GM Petrosian to become the Twenty-Fifth World Chess Champion in Chess History held in Moscow.
• 1972 – Twenty-Sixth World Chess Championship: GM Bobby Fischer beats GM Boris Spassky for the World Chess Championship 1972. Due to its status as the Cold War sporting confrontation, this chess game received an unprecedented level of publicity worldwide and Bobby Fisher became the twenty-sixth World Chess Champion of chess history.
• 1975 – Twenty-Seventh World Chess Championship: The Famous Russian Chess GM Anatoly Karpov becomes the twenty-seventh World Chess Champion in Manila of chess history without having defeated the reigning champion as Fischer forfeits his crown.
• 1978 – Twenty-Eighth World Chess Championship: GM Anatoly Karpov retains its title of The World Chess Champion.
• 1978 – The Female Soviet Chess player Nona Gaprindashvili wins the Men’s Tournament, held at Lone Pine. Nona Gaprindashvili becomes the first woman to become the FIDE Chess Grandmaster title.
• 1978 – The Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) introduced the FIDE Master (FM) as a chess title below International Master.
• 1978 – The Sargon is the first chess-playing software that was developed for personal computers.
• 1981 – Twenty-Ninth World Chess Championship: The Famous Russian GM Anatoly Karpov defeats Viktor Korchnoi to retain the title of World Chess Champion.
• 1985 – Thirtieth World Chess Championship: Russian Chess GM Garry Kasparov defeats GM Anatoly Karpov to become the thirtieth World Chess Champion in Moscow, and then dominates the chess world for the next 15 years.

History of Chess Champions

• 1986-1995 – Garry Kasparov dominated the chess world by winning all the world chess Championships.
• 1991 – The World Famous Hungary player Judit Polgár becomes the youngest ever Chess Grandmaster, breaking Bobby Fischer’s record by about a month.
• 1993 – A beautiful motion picture called, “Searching for Bobby Fischer” was released. The story takes you through the early life of chess prodigy Josh Waitzkin , who went on to become an International Master and was compared to the legendary Bobby Fischer . The film is now considered one of the best chess movies ever made.
• 1993 – Two famous players Garry Kasparov of Russia and Nigel Short of England break from FIDE to play their world championship match, forming the Professional Chess Association (PCA) in the year of 1993.
• 1996 – The AI Deep Blue is the first chess-playing computer to beat the reigning world champion, Garry Kasparov, under normal chess tournament conditions.
• 1997 – The World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov loses a rematch to chess supercomputer Deep Blue (2½–3½), becoming the first World Champion to lose a match to a computer.
• 1999 – Garry Kasparov becomes the first Chess player who plays and wins against The World whose moves were determined by the plurality of vote via the Internet.
• 2000 – Thirty Sixth World Chess Championship: The defending World Champion Garry Kasparov loses his title to the Russian Vladimir Kramnik (8½–6½). Kramnik became the thirty-sixth World Chess Champion in Chess.

21st Century Chess Events

Now, Let’s know the major events in the History of Chess and its formation in the 21st century.

• 2001 – This year could be considered as the turning point in chess history. This year, Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) introduced the world with the shortened time controls for the knockout World Chess Championship held later in that year.
• 2002 – The Russian Chess player Sergey Karjakin sets the world record of being the youngest ever Chess Grandmaster at age 12 years and 7 months. Sergey Karjakin holds this world record till now.
• 2003 – Garry Kasparov battles with two AI Deep Junior and X3D Fritz in two different matches which results in draws. These chess battles were considered as the last human-computer chess matches that did not end in the victory of the AI machines.
• 2004 – The Uzbekistan Chess GM Rustam Kasimdzhanov defeats the English Chess GM Michael Adams in the final match winning the title of the FIDE World Chess Champion 2004.
• 2004 – Vladimir Kramnik successfully defends his title in the Classical World Chess Championship 2004 against the GM Peter Leko of Hungary.
• 2005 – World Chess Championship 2005: The Bulgarian Chess GM Veselin Topalov wins the FIDE World Chess Championship 2005.
• 2006 – World Chess Championship reunited.
• 2007 – World Chess Championship 2007: The Indian Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand becomes the fifteenth World Chess Champion after winning the World Chess Championship 2007 tournament held in Mexico City. Vishy Anand finished the tournament with a score of 9/14 (+4 −0 =10).
• 2008 – The Death of the famous chess player Bobby Fischer.
• 2008 – World Chess Championship 2008: Viswanathan Anand successfully defends his World Chess Champion title against GM Vladimir Kramnik in the World Chess Championship 2008.
• 2010 – World Chess Championship 2010: Viswanathan Anand successfully defends his World Chess Champion title against Veselin Topalov in the World Chess Championship 2008.
• 2012 – World Chess Championship 2012: Viswanathan Anand successfully defends his World Chess Champion title against Boris Gelfand in the World Chess Championship 2012.
• 2012 – Magnus Carlsen achieved a record-breaking ELO rating of 2861 surpassing Garry Kasparov’s record of 2851.
• 2013 – World Chess Championship 2013: The Norway Chess Magnus Carlsen defeated Vishy Anand winning the title of World Chess Champion 2013 held in India.
• 2014 – 2018 – Magnus Carlsen has dominated the chess world by winning All the World Chess Championship Titles.
• 2019-2020 – Magnus Carlsen set a world record of longest unbeaten streak at the elite level in the classical chess format with a Long streak of 120 games unbeaten.

Origins of Chess

The history of chess goes back many centuries. Traced to its roots, chess can be seen as a game with 1500 years of history. Although it wasn’t always known as chess, similar games first began being played in the 7th century.

Today, the name Wilhelm Steinitz is often thrown about as the father of modern chess. However, by the time he began playing, chess had already been a popular game for many centuries. Over the years, rules have shifted so that games wouldn’t take as long. Still, Wilhelm did analyze the game thoroughly, creating many of the most popular modern strategies.

The First Chess Game

In the 7th Century, Chaturanga began growing in popularity throughout India. The first game that could be compared to chess would have been the game Chaturanga.

In this game, there were pieces that would evolve into the modern pawn, knight, bishop and rook. These pieces were meant to resemble the 4 divisions of the Indian military of the time. It wouldn’t take long for Chaturanga to spread, on account of India’s high-traffic trade routes.

By the end of the 7th century, it had been spread to the Sassanid Empire in Persia. Once there, its name changed from Chaturanga to Shatranj. This is where the first examples of “checkmates” started to appear. When players found themselves stuck, with their king helpless, their opponents would exclaim, “the king is helpless.” Even though the game left the Sassanid Empire, those exclamations would follow it wherever it went.

From There, Precursors to Chess Spread Over the Silk Road

At the time, India was at the center of a massive trade network, called the Silk Road. Anyone who has heard about the silk road knows how important it was to ancient trade. Linking millions together, this trade network extended from one end of the Eurasian continent to the other.

Following the 7th century, the Muslim world picked up the game. The Islamic conquest of Persia gave the game a brand-new audience, quickly becoming popular with the new nobility. In no time, it had been spread from one end of Eurasia to the other.

Europe adopted the game by the 9th century. By the year 1000, it was available across the whole continent. It first entered Europe by way of the Moors, who spread it from the Iberian Peninsula. Rules were changed in Europe to help prevent its prohibition by the church. By the end of these rule changes, chess had begun to resemble its modern form.

At the same time, chess had been gaining popularity in the Far East as well. Disseminated by Buddhist monks, chaturanga would be played by people as far as the South China Sea. However, in the Far East, it would evolve into something a little different. Most of the time, people would start playing the game based on the lines, rather than within the squares.

Changes to the Rules Over Time

Despite being quite similar, Chaturanga was played using a different ruleset than the modern version of the game. Still, compared to the modern version, there are several key commonalities. First, in each case, all the pieces have their own set of characteristics. Second, in both the old and modern versions, victory depends on the fate of a single piece. Finally, there were several pieces that would later become what we know of today as modern chess pieces.

In the original game, the king was identical to the modern piece. Victory depended on whether the king was still in play. The queen was known as the “advisor,” and it only moved one square at a time. Thus, it was far less powerful than in the modern rendition. The modern bishop was originally known as the “elephant.” It would move in an L shape, and it could jump over a piece if needed. Both the Rook and the Knight were the same as in the modern edition. Pawns were a bit more limited, only capable of moving a single square at a time.

Rise of Modern Chess

Both the Queen and the Bishop would remain weaker until around the 1500s. Somewhere in Spain, around that time, the pieces would gain their modern move sets. It wouldn’t take long for those updated moves to spread throughout Europe. Thus, making the game take on nearly its modern form. It wouldn’t be until the mid-1800s, when modern time-keeping devices were invented, that the game would take on its final form.

The First Chess Tournament

Modern competitive chess first gained prominence in the mid-1800s. There was a small tournament in 1834 that showcased its potential popularity.

In less than 20 years, the world’s first major competition was held in London, 1851. At the time, players would take up to 20 minutes to deliberate a single move. After the first tournament, people decided they’d rather play a speedier version of the game. Therefore, they invented what we know of today as “Speed Chess.”

Modern History of Chess

From there, the game would change a few of its rules. The main pieces would remain the same, and only minor variations would be introduced.

Many theorists would gain prominence over the years, popularizing different strategies. Nowadays, chess is still among the most popular board games ever invented. However, it’s important for us to remember its long history. As such, it’s next to impossible to say for certain who invented the game. There were many who were instrumental in the rise of modern chess.

History of Chess Pieces

In order to reflect the way the Europeans lived they modernized the words that were used while playing chess and gave them the names that we know today as they could not pronounce nor spell the names given by the Persians. In the present day if seen the names do not seem modern but about thousands of years ago they represented the way in which high ranking officials as well as ordinary people lived their lives.

History of Pawns

The laborers or serfs were represented in the chess board as pawns . It is seen that their number is much more than the other pieces in the chess board and they are made to sacrifice their lives for the more important pieces.

The laborers or serfs were thought of as a property which belonged to the landowners or treated as personal property during the medieval period. Life was very hard for the serfs during this period of history. They died young as they were not protected during the war .If the landowner was in any problem they could be sacrificed or traded in place of the owner.

History of Rooks

Each side has two rooks. The rooks in chess are also sometimes referred to castles as the rook is considered to be the home or the refuge. One of the special moves in chess is actually called castling and is made with a rook and the king.

History of Knights

There are two knights on each side on the chess board. The knights were the trained soldiers of the medieval times whose duty was to protect the high ranking officials and the chess board knight also has the same duty. Though a knight in chess are of far more importance than the pawns, they are less important than the kings, queens and bishop. The more important pieces are protected by the knight in the game of chess and they too can be sacrificed to save the important piece when in danger .

History of Bishops

The church is represented in the game of chess through the bishop . The church was regarded as the mighty and rich force during the medieval times and religion played an important role in everybody’s life. The name for the priest of the Catholic Church who had risen to a high and powerful position through ranks was known as the bishop. There are two bishops in the chess game on each side.

History of Queens

The queen is the most powerful piece of the chess game and the only piece on the board that represents women. The chess board has only one queen for each side. Many people are still not aware that during the medieval times the queen held an unstable yet powerful position.

The king often took her advice in many things and many times the queen is said to have played games against the king just to make her position secure in the court. With the permission of the church the king could imprison the queen in nunneries or set her aside. The approval of the queen was required.

Tallest Chess Piece in History

The tallest piece on the chess board is the king and he is defined from all sides as he was during the medieval period. During the medieval times if the king surrendered to the opposing army it meant giving up his kingdom to the other king and that was like getting into a situation that was worse.

The king is the most important piece in the chess board and it’s for the welfare of everyone from the serf who holds the lowest rank to the high ranking official to protect the king from any sort of harm.

The history of the Western chess is about 1500 years old. During the 6th century AD the earliest form of the chess game originated in India from where it spread it Persia. The Chess was adapted by the Muslim world from which it moved to Southern Europe after the Arabs conquered Persia.

In the 15th century the game evolved into its current form in Europe. The modern tournament plays began in the 2nd half of the 19th century and in 1886 the first world chess tournament was held where top chess players took part. The World Chess Federation was established in the 20th century and along with it chess also jumped way ahead.

The Chess is a recognized sport of International Olympic Committee today. The first World Chess champion was the father of Chess, Wilhehn Sleinitz who got his title in 1886 and the present day World Chess Champion is Magnus Carlsen.

First Breakthrough in Chess Engines

Today we play today is strongly influenced by the ability of the chess program and the chance to be played online. In 1997, Deep Blue was the chess computer to defeat the World Champion of that time, Garry Kasparov in a match.

The 21st century has seen massive improvement in chess engines and are used by players everyday for reasons such as looking for chess players’ ratings, to check the analysis, online gaming like grand masters, to check chess players’ ratings and team consultations.

What Was Chess Originally Called?

Chess wasn’t always called Chess, there’s much more to the story on how Chess got its name . But for this post, we’ll briefly go over why Chess is called Chess.

The ancestors of chess is said to have its origin in India during the Gupta period in the 6th century. At that time chess was known as “chaturanga” which meant the four divisions of the military namely the infantry, cavalry, elephantry and chariotary.

So we can say that they were great chess players of that time. They are now represented in the modern chess board with the names like pawn, knight, bishop and rook respectively. In some part of Persia around 600 chess became “chantrang” and the chess rules also got more developed.

The players said “Shah” when they attacked the opponents’ king and “Shah Maat “when the king after being attacked could not escape. These exclamations were still used in chess as they moved from one country to the other.

Many centuries ago Chess was played in India, China and Persia, so they can be said to be old chess players of the world. The origin of chess is yet to be known.

During the 8th century the moors who were the armies of the Arabs invaded Persia, thus the Persians are the people who taught chess to the Arabs. When the Moors invaded Spain they had taken the chess along with them thus the Spanish people also got introduced to this game after which it quickly spread to different parts of Europe.

If you liked learning about the history of Chess, you may also be interested in reading some more interesting facts about Chess .

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A Brief History of Chess

By Shai Hecker, Operations Intern

This was during what the historians call the Islamic Golden Age which began around the time of the creation of chess. During this time the Islamic Empires stretched out into Africa, Asia, and Europe. This allowed for the game of chess to spread quickly in the three continents.

By the 9th century the game came to Russia from Northern Europe. The game quickly spread across the country and people happily adopted the new past time. What was great about chess was that it could be played by anyone in any class. This allowed for the game to really grow during these times and spread throughout the world. In 2019 Russia had schools teach students chess instead of having a third period of physical education.

Since then the game has rapidly evolved. In 1924 a few years after the first World War France took initiative and established FIDE , The Federation Internationale des Echecs. Over the last century we have seen many great chess players: Bobby Fischer, Emanuel Lasker, Boris Spassky, Samuel Reshevsky, and many others.

It’s incredible to be able to play a game that was created over 1000 years ago. Even after all this time chess is still one of the World’s favorite past times.

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chess summary

Explore the origin and the rules of chess.

chess , Checkerboard game for two players, each of whom moves 16 pieces according to fixed rules across the board and tries to capture or immobilize (checkmate) the opponent’s king. The game may have originated in Asia about the 6th century, though it continued to evolve as it spread into Europe in Byzantine times; its now-standard rules first became generally accepted in Europe in the 16th century. The players, designated white or black, start with their pieces arranged on opposite ends of the board. Kings move one square in any direction—but not into attack (check). Bishops move diagonally, and rooks horizontally or vertically, any number of unobstructed squares. Queens move like either bishops or rooks. Knights move to the nearest nonadjacent square of the opposite colour (an “L” shape) and ignore intervening chessmen. Pieces capture by moving to an enemy-occupied square. Pawns move forward one square (except one or two on their first move) and are promoted to any non-king piece if they eventually reach the last row. Pawns capture only one diagonal square forward of them. For one turn only, a pawn has the option, known as en passant, of capturing an enemy pawn that has just made a first move of two squares to avoid being captured by moving only one; the capture occurs as though the pawn had moved only one square. When the first row between a king and either rook is clear, and as long as the king and that rook have not moved, a maneuver known as castling can be done in which the king is shifted two squares toward that rook and the rook is placed directly on the other side of the king. Kings cannot castle when in check or through any square in which they would be in check. A draw, known as a stalemate, occurs if a player is not in check but any move he could make would place him in check. A draw also occurs if the same position occurs three times (such as through “perpetual check”).

Explore the History of Chess, From Ancient India to the Cold War Rivalries

Photo: Stock Photos from WHYFRAME/Shutterstock

Chess sets across the internet have been selling out for maybe the first time ever. Why? Because Netflix's The Queen's Gambit has captured the popular imagination and reignited an interest in the ancient board game. Like other pursuits, chess can go in and out of fashion. It is steadily more popular in some countries—including Russia and India. Its popularity in other regions such as the United States waxes and wanes with the times.

The Queen's Gambit —with an edgy-yet-charming female chess prodigy—is fictional and based on the 1983 book by Walter Tevis. However, with the mod '60s fashion and Cold War rivalries, many Americans suddenly find chess both fascinating and approachable. Read on to explore a brief history of this fascinating, ancient board game.

Scroll down to discover the history of the game of chess.

When was chess invented.

A bishop chess piece carved of ivory from western Islamic lands, circa 8th to 10th century. (Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art [Public domain])

Shatranj (chess set) from Iran, 12th century. (Photo: Zereshk via Wikimedia Commons [ CC BY 3.0 ])

The Lewis Chessman from 12th century Scotland, walrus ivory. (Photo: National Museums Scotland via Wikimedai Commons [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ])

Some of the earliest pieces known to have been produced in Europe—rather than imported—are the Lewis Chessmen. In 1831, a farmer on the Scottish Isle of Lewis discovered a medieval horde of 78 chess pieces, in addition to others for backgammon. Experts believe the exquisite figural pieces were crafted in Norway, which controlled the northern Scottish islands at the time.

Knights Templar paying a game of chess in a manuscript from 1283. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons [Public domain])

The rules were also evolving: around 1500, the role of the queen and bishops changed and made them more powerful. Known as alla rabiosa in Italian (with the madwoman, or queen), this new style of chess changed the strategies necessary to win. This is typically regarded as the birth of modern chess.

Folding chess and backgammon board from India, circa 1830. (Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art [Public domain])

Women in Competitive Chess

Hou Yifan, the youngest female Grandmaster ever (2008). (Photo: Wikimedia Commons [ CC BY-SA 2.0 ])

If you watch The Queen's Gambit , you will notice that Beth confronts both sexism and surprise —the perils of being a female chess player. The first chess grandmaster title awarded to a woman was in 1978, to Georgian player and Woman's World Chess Champion Nona Gaprindashvili. In 1998, Judit Polgár —who became a grandmaster at 15—was the first woman to take the lead in a US Open, tying for the win. The record for the youngest female grandmaster to date is held by Hou Yifan, who gained the title at 14. The Chinese prodigy is only 26, and she is the top-ranked female player globally. She is only the third woman to be ranked in the top 100 players globally, reflecting a world that is hostile to women in chess.

An essay for Slate by Wei Ji Ma—a professor of neuroscience at NYU who is also a chess master–explains the difficulties women face in entering and remaining in competitive chess. To this day, many male players (and even a few female players) will claim biological differences. The current head of the Commission for Women’s Chess suggested women are more naturally suited to music and arranging flowers. Professor Ji Ma sets the record straight—no evidence indicates biology is the answer to women's absence in the absolute top echelon of chess. Instead, gender bias from an early age, lower prize money, and sexist comments by male players all have been documented. For all the young girls out there who may dream of beating the best players in the world like Beth in The Queen's Gambit , keep playing. In a more equal world, we can hope to see a female World Chess Champion in the open competition.

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History Of Chess

Here's a brief overview of the history of chess:

Chaturanga, The Origin Of Chess

How chess spread around the world, wrapping up, history of chess video.

It's hard to really tell who created chess and when it happened. Some people suppose chess was born in China. However, most historians believe that Persians invented the game about 1500 years ago. Besides, many people agree that the Persian game was an adaptation of an older Indian game called chaturanga, which is more than 2400 years old!

Image: a 14th century manuscript describing how an Indian ambassador brought chess to Persia.

Although very similar to our beloved game of chess, chaturanga had a few different rules. There was no castling , and stalemates were not a draw. Promotions also worked differently, en passant captures were impossible, and pawns couldn't even jump two squares on their first move.

Speaking of pawns, there was something even more strange about chaturanga. The game had different pieces than the ones we're used to!

Image: Hindu gods Krishna and Radha playing chaturanga.

People called pawns foot-soldiers. The queen was actually a minister and could only move diagonally one square at a time. Rooks moved the same but players called them chariots. Finally, bishops were elephants and could leap over other pieces but were very weak—they could only move two squares diagonally.

After chaturanga spread all over India and was then taken up and modified by the Persians, the Arabs spread it to the Middle East and North Africa. Then, the Moorish people took the game to Southern Europe.

Image: 1283 illustration of Templar knights playing chess.

Chess reached Europe in Medieval times. The game went through a series of modifications throughout the years to reflect the royal society of that time. The minister became the queen, the elephant turned into a bishop, and chariots became "castles," which we call the rook.

Image: 1474 illustration found in an English chess book.

Historians think that it was only between 1475 and 1485 that a game similar to modern chess appeared in Italy, Spain, or France. The queen and bishop gained new powers and started moving like they do today.

You now know how our beloved chess game was born and got to where it is today. Head over to our Play page to challenge kids from all over the world and enjoy the wonderful game of chess!

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The history of chess essay sample, example.

There are many legends surrounding the origin of chess, and also the rules of the game have transformed so much during its about 1500 years of history, that it is difficult to trace exactly when “chess” came into being as we know it. In each region, chess took on different rules, pieces, boards, and such. However, according to Chess.com, “Today we know that chess originated from the Gupta Empire (600CE), of India. The pieces come from the primary military elements of that time: the infantry, the elephants, the cavalry and the chariots” (“History of Chess: The Basics”). Some experts have claimed the game could have originated in China, but these assessments are in the minority. In India, the game was referred to as Chaturanga, and has been mentioned in Persian manuscripts.

From India, chess traveled to Persia. As stated from Medium.com, “In 7th Century AD it was adopted as Satranj in Sassanid Persia. Several variations of chess evolved in Persia” (Naval, Saini). The queen and bishop had limited movement at this time, unlike the wide movement it has now. According to Ancientchess.com, “The form of chess which finally arrived in Europe was already being played in Persia some 1,350 years ago, when that area of the world was conquered by Muslim armies in the mid 7th century. The game became very popular in the Muslim world, and it was carried back, throughout Islam, across North Africa and eventually into Europe” (“Chess History”). So, the Muslim world was responsible for the greater migration of the game. Also, in Persia, the first recognizable chess pieces began to emerge that are similar to our modern ones. In addition, before chess became widespread in Europe, it was brought to Spain and Sicily through the Moors, who were Muslim inhabitants in those areas. This was around 800 AD. Another big event was that by 900 AD, Muslim chess players were writing books on the techniques of chess. This can be said to be the first writings on chess theory (Murray, H. J. R).

Though our international chess game has many variants in many countries, the most popular one played today around the world started to become a pastime in Europe around 1000 AD. According to Ancientchess,com, “…the chess which came to Europe from Asia, passing from one culture to another, remained virtually unchanged for almost a millennium. Even as pieces changed shape and identity, the rules of the game remained remarkably stable. The first known printed occurrence of the new rules is dated 1497 — but that manuscript seems to indicate that the new game was already generally known” (“Chess History”). Chess spread like a wildfire throughout Europe after the rules had been changed so that the queen and bishop had greater mobility, and was even called “mad queen chess” and other variations on this title. With the newfound speed of chess, the game become more exciting and nuanced. This was the start of our modern chess, and it seems the popularity and growth of chess has not stopped since (Naval, Saini).

Chess is a game of about 1,500 years that originated in India, traveled to Persia, and through Muslim influence, spread throughout Europe. In that progression, its rules have drastically changed, and its pieces have also transformed. There are still several variations of chess in multiple countries, like China, Japan, Korea, and more. However, the international chess we play today was developed in Europe by giving the queen and bishop greater power—making the game more thrilling, and at the same time, subtle.

Works Cited

“History of Chess: The Basics.” Chess.com, Chess.com, 15 May 2018, www.chess.com/article/view/the-history-of-chess.

Naval, Saini. “A Brief History of Chess – HalfChess – Medium.” Medium.com, Medium, 26 Apr. 2017, medium.com/halfchess/a-brief-history-of-chess-e5ceeffdf99e.

“Chess History.” Chess Variants – Ancient Chess – How to Play – Xiangqi – Shogi – Shatranj, ancientchess.com/WordPress/?page_id=269.

Murray, H. J. R. A History of Chess. Benjamin Press, 1986.

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Chess & history: the origin of the chessboard.

It is a board that means the world to many people. The chessboard. A game system made up of 64 squares arranged in an 8 x 8 grid. And it is far more than just the ground for a number of historical games. It is also of mathematical importance and, with the right eye, reveals a whole new view of the mechanics of chess. In this article I want to give you an overview of its historical origins and an insight into the mechanics taking place on 64 squares.

Drawing of the starting positions in chess from the "Cyclopedia of Valuable Receipts" by Henry B. Scammell, 1897

The Origin of the Chessboard

Even if it is only a myth, the rice grain legend is considered to be the first indication of the origin of chess and thus also of the chessboard. According to this legend, the wise Brahmin Sissa, who lived in India, created a game to show his tyrannical king how dependent a ruler is on his subjects and how he cannot do anything without them. He called this game chess. The tyrannical king - his name was Shihram - was very impressed by the game and had it sent out in all directions of the sky. Through the knowledge gained from the game of chess, he also gained reason and mildness, which made him a better ruler. In gratitude, he granted Sissa a wish. He wished for grains of rice. He wished for a quantity of rice grains that would double from chess square to chess square until all the squares of the chess board were filled. The king was astonished because he underestimated the amount. But he instructed his treasurer to get the required quantity. After calculating the required amount, however, the treasurer had to inform him that the kingdom did not have enough grains of rice. About 730 billion tons of rice would have been needed. And so the king learned another lesson that would show him his power of judgement. Even though the geographical origin of the legend is not attested in Indian sources, Arabic writings refer to India as the setting of the story.

The earliest and actual mention of a chessboard-like board comes from the Indian game of Ashtāpada. Like chess, this consisted of an 8 x 8 squares, which was called Ashtāada. Unlike chess, however, it only had squares of the same colour and so-called castles were marked on the board, on which playing pieces could not be captured. Another game variant could also be played on a 10 x 10 board and was called Daśapada. A smaller game variant on a field of only 5 x 5 squares was called Chomal Ishto and was played with shells as pieces.

The exact rules of the Ashtāpada game have not survived. Some writers have assumed that it was a kind of racing game to win and recapture the marked castles and that the game was played clockwise and counterclockwise on the playing field. The assumption is based on records that suggest that dice were used for the movement of the pieces. Critics, on the other hand, consider such a method of play unlikely, as the mechanics of the game would be very confusing in relation to surviving materials. Unfortunately, it will no longer be possible to determine what is true, unless a well-preserved game should happen to turn up. The similarity to chess is obvious, however, and the direct successor to Ashtapada is considered to be one of the predecessors of chess, even according to current findings: Chaturanga or Chatrang.

Chaturanga, also called Chatrang in Persian, is the direct predecessor of the game Shatrandsch and already showed the first game pieces that have a social and military reference. Chaturanga translates as "four arms" and refers to the troops of the Indian army of the time: infantry, cavalry, war elephants and chariots. The playing field was similar to the Ashtāada and also had 64 squares divided into an 8 x 8 grid. Unfortunately, the movement patterns of the game pieces for Chaturanga have not survived completely either, and the few explanations that do exist are similar to chess but often contradictory. In the 11th century, a game variant for four players called Chaturaji was documented. In contrast to the two-person game, dice were used instead of free piece movement in this game. Whether different colours were used for the squares is also not known.

Game set-up for Chaturaji, on an Ashtāada with Chaturanga game pieces (R. C. Bell, Board and Table Games from Many Civilizations, 1980, p. 53)

From Chaturanga or Chatrang, the successor Shatrandsch developed in the 7th century. Even though the rules in this game differ from today's chess, the similarities are unmistakable. Only the special rules and the movement patterns of today's queen and bishop showed clear differences. It was also Shatrandsch that reached Europe between the 10th and 11th centuries and laid the foundation of modern chess. Records from the 14th century still show that the playing field was not necessarily multicoloured, although the typical black-and-white pattern was already occasionally present in historical writings.

Towards the end of the 15th century, rule changes such as the introduction of the double pawn move, castling and new movement patterns for bishop and queen, brought the game to its present state: modern chess. Records now generally used the multi-coloured pattern and tactical analysis of games also increasingly made reference to the square colour. In particular, the binding of the bishop to its square colour and the constant change of the square colour from the knight were topics that provided assistance for one's own play. Even if this representation did not change the actual game, it at least simplified the assessment of the current piece position. The players could now use the colours of the squares to assess the value of the opponent's bishop in relation to their own king's position or the influence the pawn structure could have on the further course of the game. The following is a more detailed explanation.

Evaluation of the Opponent's Bishop

The bishop is aiming at the king, which is still in a safe position

In this example, the black bishop is aiming at the white king. Although the latter is safe and protected by his pieces, the white player must realise that the opponent's bishop poses a greater danger and has an increased value as long as he can attack the king in the course of the game. So sooner or later the question arises here whether White moves the king and loses tempo, or captures or at least displaces the bishop. Based on the colour of the square, the white player can judge early on from the structure of the chessboard that the opponent's bishop on the black square has a higher value in the current situation than the bishop on the white square.

Evaluation of the Own Bishop

The own bishop is weakened by the own pawn structure

This example shows that even a seemingly stable pawn structure can have its advantages and disadvantages. The structure forms a closed centre and the own pawns occupy the black squares. This leads to the fact that the own bishop is blocked on the black squares and thus its value for the offensive is reduced. The bishop is virtually inactive and can only be passively activated as a defender of the pawns. Although this is not completely worthless, it represents a redistribution of value from the bishop to the pawns. The tactical benefit, on the other hand, lies in the trading of pieces. If the bishop does not find its way into the game in the long run, it could serve as a sacrifice to surprise the opponent. An exchange with a higher-value knight would also make sense, should said knight move to the kingside into the attacking squares of the restricted bishop.  The structure of the square colours can also be used as an assistance to encircle opponent's bishops, be it by blocking pawns or attacking the respective square colour. A well-defended field colour can thus represent the equivalent of a bishop under certain circumstances.

The Tactical Value of the Chessboard Squares

Even if the tactical assessment of the course of the game on the basis of the field colours seems trivial, it offers a lot of potential for analysis. Apart from the examples mentioned above, thinking patterns according to colours can certainly lead to time savings in endgames or offer assistance in deciding strategy. Mating patterns can also show colour combinations that can be used for orientation. Furthermore, the colour of the square also has cosmetic reasons, of course, and offers orientation when setting up the starting positions of the chess pieces. Each player's side always has a black square at the bottom left and a white square at the bottom right. In the starting position, the queen always stands on the square of her own colour, while the two bishops occupy opposite square colours.

However, in addition to the pure visual appearance, many chess boards also have row and line inscriptions, which allow the notation of chess moves as coordinates. The lettering on the chessboard that is known today - viewed continuously from the white player's point of view - records the letters a to h on the transverse axis and the numbers 1 to 8 on the vertical axis. The chess notation based on this is in an algebraic representation, which, however, only became established in the course of the 20th century and through recognition as a standard by FIDE. Previously, moves were explained descriptively, which did not necessarily require markings on the chessboard. In smaller and amateur tournaments, labels are usually used on chess boards to minimise notational errors. In major tournaments played on electronic chess boards, there is no handwritten notation in order to keep the participants' concentration focused on the game.

Chess set with plastic chess pieces and a vinyl chessboard with coordinate notation

Common Materials for Chessboards

Chess boards in the form of mats on a plastic or vinyl base are often used, especially at larger playing events or in training sessions. These are very suitable for holding a larger number of chess games at the same time at low procurement costs. They are also easier to transport. The classic, however, is the wooden chess board. With a variety of different coloured woods, the chess board can be reproduced in a traditional and sustainable way and can be matched with the wooden carving of chess pieces. Woods that are suitable for chessboards and depict a wide range of colours are usually maple, mahogany, walnut and wenge. The classic black of a chessboard is created for most boards by the stain process, also called ebonisation. Here, the wood takes on a black hue through the chemical process of staining the surface of the wood. Alternatively, it is also possible to use rare types of wood such as the trunk wood of ebony plants, which naturally has a black colour.

I hope that I have been able to give you some interesting background on the chess board, some of which you can use in your own game analysis.

If you are interested in a chessboard, feel free to check out my selection of tournament sized wooden chessboards .

I wish you a lot of fun with the game, much success and rapid progress in your learning.

See you soon.

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Time Essay: Why They Play: The Psychology of Chess

T here is a class of men—shadowy, unhappy, unreal-looking men—who gather in coffee houses, and play with a desire that dieth not, and a fire that is not quenched. These gather in clubs and play tournaments…but there are others who have the vice who live in country places, in remote situations—curates, schoolmasters, tax collectors—who must needs find some artificial vent for their mental energy.

—H.G. Wells, Concerning Chess

THE players and their seconds now gathered in Reykjavik for the world championship match are neither shadowy nor unreal-looking men, and they are only occasionally unhappy. The same is true of the millions round the world whose imaginations have been fired by the battle of the giants, Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky. They gather in chess clubs, if they are seasoned aficionados, or in front of the TV in the corner bar, or around a transistor radio if they are out in the boondocks. They scream instructions, encouragement or abuse at the contestants with all the futile energy of spectators at the World Series. The psychology of the Johnny-come-lately fans is much like that of the masses of men and women who take up any craze, and much of their enthusiasm will be evanescent. Far more complex, however, are the psychological bases of the quiet passion that has prompted countless millions to play the game through the centuries—and the unquiet passion that turns championship contenders into egomaniacs and monomaniacs.

Chess originated as a war game. It is an adult, intellectualized equivalent of the maneuvers enacted by little boys with toy soldiers and has, throughout history, appealed to diverse peoples. It was played by the contemplative Hindus, the holy warriors of Islam, the chivalrous knights who were allowed to visit ladies fair in their boudoirs to play a board, and by the rambunctious sea rovers who had carried the game to Greenland (perhaps even to North America) by the 12th century. Dr. Karl Menninger, an aggressive Freudian analyst, once declared: “It seems to be necessary for some of us to have a hobby in which aggressiveness and destructiveness are given opportunity for expression, and since I long ago gave up hunting (because it is too destructive), I have found myself returning more and more to the most ancient of all games.”

Ernest Jones, official biographer of Sigmund Freud, seemed to agree with those sentiments when he wrote in 1930: “Chess…is a play substitute for the art of war.” But in the same essay, The Problem of Paul Morphy, which discussed the paranoia that beset the American chess prodigy of the 1850s, he also moved Freud’s much-debated interpretation of Oedipus onto the chessboard. Morphy, in Jones’ somewhat questionable theory, had to sublimate a strong Oedipal urge to “kill the father.” His own flesh-and-blood father was already dead, but Morphy had a surrogate father, Howard Staunton, the uncrowned chess champion of the world, whom he needed to kill at chess. (Unfortunately for Morphy’s psyche, Staunton, in most unsportsmanlike fashion, refused to play and submit to being “killed.”)

Since Jones’ essay, the psychoanalysis of chess has been increasingly preoccupied with sexual symbolism. Said Menninger about chess players: “Silently they are plotting (and attempting to execute) murderous campaigns of patricide, matricide, fratricide, regicide and mayhem.” A great chess player, Manhattan’s Reuben Fine, has popularized a psychology of chess studded with phallic symbols, spattered with anal-sadistic impulses and imbued with latent homosexuality. In successive rounds, Fine once defeated Botvinnik, Reshevsky, Euwe, Flohr and Alekhine, and drew with Capablanca. When Fine switched his major interest from chess to psychoanalysis, the result was a loss for chess—and a draw, at best, for psychoanalysis. Many psychologists, some Freudians included, now believe that the sexual symbolism in chess is vastly overdrawn.

Jones emphasized that the king is the father image and that its most savage attacker is the queen of the opposite color. This, say the analysts, is a paradigm of the family in which mother is pitted against father. They ignore the fact that the king’s most powerful defender is his own queen. For the mother-father conflict to have validity, the player must have crossed loyalties, which might well make him schizophrenic.

Such symbolism aside, the motives and methods of chess players are as varied as their personalities. Even among the small number of men who have been world champions in this century there have been polar differences. Emanuel Lasker, title holder from 1894 to 1921, was a philosopher, mathematician and thoroughgoing “square” by most psychological standards. His satisfactions from chess appear to have been entirely intellectual. Cuba’s Jose Capablanca (champion from 1921 to 1927), who gave up the orderliness of a projected career in engineering to become a chess giant and his country’s hero, enjoyed competition in other lines than chess, notably tennis, bridge and the pursuit of women. Alexander Alekhine (1927-35, 1937-46) is best described in Fine’s words as “the sadist of the chess world.” He went through five marriages, was involved in a campaign of antiSemitism, dipsomania, and enough other psychopathology to fill a casebook. The Netherlands’ Max Euwe (1935-37), as square as Lasker was, is a conventional paterfamilias and also a mathematics professor with a cool passion for order on the board.

Since 1948, all of the world champions have been Russians—from Mikhail Botvinnik (three times) to Boris Spassky. Their personalities, temperaments and styles of play reflect not only East-West cultural differences, but also the peculiar status of chess in Communist countries. While chess is merely a game for the Russian masses, it is a profession or at least a second profession for the Soviet chess masters, who may also be engineers or physicists. Both teaching and play are state-supported, and grand masters get good pay and high honors. So when a grand master competes outside Russia, he is, to a considerable degree, representing his country. In fact, some chess experts claim to see, in many of Spassky’s games, as in Botvinnik’s, a gray sameness that reflects much of Communist Russia’s culture and character.

The U.S.S.R. has produced few, if any, romantic, slashing players like Alekhine, who grew up under the Czars. Instead, modern Russian players tend to concentrate on establishing strong defensive positions. This, it has been suggested, may reflect a national feeling of threat by encirclement. Certainly the Russians seldom launch a blitzkrieg early in the game, preferring to win by attrition and a later counterattack. Consciously or not, this could be a re-enactment of both Napoleon’s 1812 campaign and the 1941-45 war in which Hitler’s blitzkrieg was eventually defeated by Russian doggedness. Furthermore, Soviet players seem to be more willing than most to settle for a draw, which salvages half a point, rather than going for broke and risking the loss of a whole point.

Among the Russian champions, Spassky represents the calm, collected and efficient competitor that Reuben Fine includes in the “non-hero” class, able to do well in fields other than chess. Fine also notes that the easygoing Spassky is a depressive personality, perhaps because in childhood he endured the siege of Leningrad and spent some years in an orphanage. Spassky’s father left the family when Boris was very young, and the future champion was raised by his mother. Fischer, too, was deserted early in life by his father and raised by his mother. Her name, incidentally, was Regina, a fact that has given Freudians an opportunity for endless speculation. Unlike Spassky, Bobby is considered by Fine to be a perfect example of the hero players, “who use chess to satisfy their fantasies of omnipotence.”

For Fischer, these fantasies are confined to chess. He is as monocentric as he is egocentric. Chess is his whole life, leaving little room for conventional social relationships with men and women. Some supporters deny that he is a misogynist, but he has given ample evidence of it, and Fine says that Fischer is afraid of women. Much of his openly outrageous behavior can be attributed to his emotionally deprived childhood. And his struggle to the summit since then has left him still without the inner security needed to accept defeat. He is a killer—not necessarily in the Oedipal sense—because he must win.

In the lower ranks of the chess hierarchy, the character traits of world champions are usually expressed in less extreme forms. U.S. Grand Master Larry Evans, in fact, takes a coolly pragmatic approach to the game. “In chess,” he says, “what counts is what you know, not whom you know. It’s the way life is supposed to be, democratic and just.” Being a chess professional, says Evans, “offers freedom, unlimited travel with all expenses paid. To me, the opponent is a neutral figure. Winning pays the rent.”

It is among the players who are frank (and in some cases rank) amateurs that the motivation for chess is more likely to be affective, at the level of ventilating aggression. Jim Rathmann, 23, bartender at the Bismarck Inn in Chicago, has identified with Fischer during the current match. As he chalks up a new win for the challenger, he exults: “He’s going to crush Spassky! He’s on an ego trip, but he’s still the greatest chess player ever.” As for himself, Rathmann says simply, “Winning gives me a feeling of power.”

Sibling rivalry is also a factor. William Zaszczurynski, who at 17 is already manager of the Chicago Chess Club, took up the game because his elder brother was playing it: “I couldn’t beat him in wrestling, but with a little hard work I could get the better of him in chess.” And among the relatively few American women who play chess (in Russia, where sex roles tend to be more elastic than in the U.S., considerably more women play), male-female rivalry emerges. Says Natalie Broughton, a Chicago suburban housewife: “My favorite gambit against male opponents is Sitzfleisch. If you sit long enough, staring and pondering, you don’t have to have a fast mind. The other person will become so annoyed and tired that he finally slips.”

“Psyching out” the opponent is at least as old as the 16th century Spanish cleric Ruy Lopez de Sigura, who advocated placing the chessboard so that it would reflect light into the opponent’s eyes. Smoke blowing is probably almost as old. Finger drumming on the table is a despicable ploy, and as a distracting gambit it is forbidden in formal play. So are humming and singing. But there are subtler, quieter ways of psyching. Many players have been accused of trying to hypnotize opponents. Former World Champion Mikhail Tal has been credited with a “laserlike gaze,” and Bobby Fischer with a “strange magnetic influence”—long before the ludicrous Russian charge last week that the Americans had installed brain-boggling electronics in Reykjavik.

Chess has equally noteworthy positive assets, which are not always realized. It is virtually the only game that is just as stimulating when played without money stakes as with them. It is truly egalitarian in that social status or wealth or brawn can confer no advantage. Neither can a high IQ. In fact, a New Jersey psychiatrist-chess player, Dr. Henry A. Davidson, has applied the theory of the idiot savant to chess and concludes that it would be possible for a blockhead to excel in the game, but adds tersely: “He usually doesn’t.”

Manhattan’s Dr. Ariel Mengarini, a nonanalytic psychiatrist, asserts that the typical amateur chess player has had a formal education and has a job that does not come up to his intellectual capabilities. He needs the kind of mental workout that he gets in chess. Equally important, to Mengarini, is the struggle. “But the beauty of chess,” he says, “is that the rules are clear-cut. If you win, no one can take away your victory. In life, most of your wins are not clear-cut. If you’ve lost, there’s nothing to do but shake hands with your opponent. This is most refreshing compared with most human relationships, including the world of business and sexual relationships.”

Another non-Freudian, Dr. Kurt Alfred Adler, son of the late Alfred Adler and an exponent of his school of individual psychology, goes further. “To me,” he says, “chess is a game of training in orientation for problem solving, not only in strategy and tactics and plane geometry, but in learning to use the pieces as a cooperative team. I would put little emphasis on the elements of hostility and aggression, and dismiss completely the sexual symbolism. The players are trying to overcome difficulties, and while they are also trying to attain mastery, the game is a form of social intercourse.”

How much raw competitiveness enters into the game depends on the culture, says Adler. In collective societies such as Russia, the player plays the board rather than his opponent. Competitiveness becomes more pronounced in Western Europe and is rampant in the U.S. Whether a player plays the board or against his opponent becomes a finespun argument in the tens of thousands of chess games that are always in progress by mail. Biochemist Aaron Bendich, of Manhattan’s Sloan-Kettering Institute, summarizes his motivation: “I play as an intellectual exercise, and I don’t see my opponent as an adversary. But there is an adversary—and that’s me! If I lose and allow myself to get angry with my opponent, I am really projecting onto him the anger I feel with myself for having played badly.”

“Chess,” said Goethe, “is the touchstone of the intellect.” To many better-than-average players, a well-played game embodies something more: it is a work of art, owing as much of its beauty to imagination and creativity as to the exercise of intelligence. However it is regarded, and however long or short a time the current worldwide flurry of interest in chess persists, the game will go on. It has endured for 1,400 years, and will outlive all the theorists. ∎Gilbert Cant

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Español NEW History of chess facts for kids The history of chess goes back 2200 years. It was played in Chinese Warring Sates Period about 200BC, called XiangQi. Modern International Chess game though originated in northern India in the 6th century (which shares quite a few common Characteristics with the Chinese creation) AD and spread to Persia . When the Arabs conquered Persia, chess was taken up by the Muslim world and subsequently, through the Moorish conquest of Spain, spread to Southern Europe . But in early Russia , the game came directly from the Khanates (muslim territories) to the south. In Europe, the moves of the pieces changed in the 15th century. The modern game starts with these changes. In the second half of the 19th century, modern tournament play began. Chess clocks were first used in 1883, and the first world chess championship was held in 1886. The 20th century saw advances in chess theory, and the establishment of the World Chess Federation ( FIDE ). Chess engines (programs that play chess), and chess data bases became important. Milestones of the game Changes in names of pieces, europe and the east, the indo-arabic game, changes in europe, evidence in print and manuscripts, changes in values of the pieces, images for kids. 550 AD: Northwestern India 600 AD : First clear reference to chess, in a Persian manuscript describes chess coming to Persia (Iran) from India. ~700 AD : Date of first undoubted chess pieces. 800 AD : Moors bring chess to Spain and Sicily . 900 AD : Early Muslim chess masters, as-Suli and al-Lajlaj write works on the technique of chess. 1000 AD : Chess widespread in Europe, including Russia. 1300 AD : First European comments on chess in sermons and stories. 1475–1500 AD : Birth of the modern game: especially, new moves for queen and bishop. 1495: First printed chess book. 1497: First printed chess book to survive to the present day. 1600: First professional player-writers. 1780s: First master games to be recorded as they were played. 1836: First chess magazine. 1849: First US chess tournament . 1851: First international chess tournament. 1866: First match to be timed by clock. 1883: First tournament to use specially designed chess clocks . 1886: First acknowledged world championship match. 1927: First chess Olympiad , with FIDE as the organisers. 1960: Numerical rating of players becomes standard. The origin of the game The precursors of chess originated in northern India during the Gupta empire , where its early form in the 6th century was known as Chaturanga . This translates as 'the four divisions', meaning infantry , cavalry , elephantry , and chariotry , represented by the pieces that would evolve into the modern pawn, knight, bishop, and rook, respectively. p173; p74 Persian and Arabic chess In Sassanid Persia around 600 the name became Chatrang and the rules were developed further, and players started calling Shāh! (Persian for 'King') when threatening the opponent's king, and Shāh māt! (Persian for 'the king is finished') when the king could not escape from attack. These exclamations persisted in chess as it traveled to other lands. The game was taken up by the Muslim world after the Islamic conquest of Persia, with the pieces largely retaining their Persian names; in Arabic "māt" or "māta" مَاتَ means "died", "is dead". In Arabic , the game became Shatranj . In all other languages, the name of the game is derived either from shatranj or from shah . The following table provides a glimpse of the changes in the names and character of chess pieces, as they passed from one culture to another, from India through Persia to Europe: p221 Changes in the Arabic names of pieces happened over several centuries after the game arrived in Europe. Most changed were the pieces which had no equivalent in Europe, such as the elephant, the visier (an advisor: the firzan or wazir), and the chariot (rukhkh). The greatest variety of names was for the elephant, p424 which was not seen in Europe, and so not used in war. In Spain names derived from Arabic lasted for centuries (alfil, aufin, orfil...). Eventually, all but France used a word for "bishop". In a similar manner, vizir eventually became "queen", and the chariot became a word for "castle". Except, that is, in English, where "rook" is obviously a version of "rukh". Please note: the following table does not capture all these complicated changes. Sanskrit Persian Arabic English Spanish French Italian (King) Shah Rey Roi Re Mantri (Minister) Vazir/Vizir Wazir/Firzān Reina Reine Regina Hasty/Gajah (elephant) Pil Al-Fil Alfil Fou Alfiere Ashva (horse) Asp Fars/Hisan Caballo Cavalier Cavallo Ratha (chariot) Rukh Rukh Torre Tour Torre Padati (footsoldier) Piadeh Baidaq Peón Pion Pedone The game reached Western Europe and Russia by at least three routes, the earliest being in the 9th century. By the year 1000 it had spread throughout Europe. Introduced into the Iberian Peninsula by the Moors in the 10th century, it was described in a famous 13th century manuscript covering shatranj, backgammon and dice named the Libro de los juegos . Buddhist pilgrims, Silk Road traders and others carried it to the Far East , where it was transformed into a game often played on the intersection of the lines of the board rather than within the squares. Chinese chess and Shogi are the most important of the oriental chess variants. However, it was the changes made in medieval Europe which led to our modern game. p71 Rule changes The game of chess is really two games. There is the original Indo-Arabic game, and there is the modern game, usually called 'international chess'. The transition between the two happened during the change from the medieval world to the modern world, in the Europe of the later 15th century. In fact, the new game of chess was one of the early topics chosen for the new technology of printing . a b c d e f g h 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 a b c d e f g h In early chess the moves of the pieces were: p224 et seq Shāh: as King now. Firzān: one square diagonally at a time (contrast modern Q). Fīl: two squares diagonally (no more or less), but could jump over a piece in between (contrast modern B). This move meant that an individual fīl could move to only eight squares on the board, and no fīl could ever attack another fīl. p226 (Horseman): as Knight now. Rukh: as Rook now. Pawn: one square forwards (not two), capturing one square diagonally forward; promoted to firzān only. The game could be won by 1. Mating the king; 2. By giving stalemate; 3. By capturing all the opponent's pieces. This kept down the number of draws. In Europe some of the pieces got new names: Mantri/Firzan/Vizir > Queen, perhaps because it starts beside the King. Fīl > Aufin > Bishop, because its two points looked like a bishop's mitre ; In French fou ; and others. Its Latin name alfinus was reinterpreted various ways. About 500 years after chess first reached Europe, after some smaller experiments, there were big changes in the way the pieces moved. The effect was to make the start of the game run faster, and get the opposing pieces in contact sooner. The changes were: Pawn moving two squares in its first move. This led to the en passant rule: a pawn placed so that it could have captured the enemy pawn if it had moved one square forward was allowed to capture it on the passed square. King jumping once, to make it quicker to put the king safe in a corner. This eventually led to castling . An early addition to her movement: an initial move of two squares with jump, diagonally. This right was sometimes extended to a new queen made by promoting a pawn. The piece was then called the fers . Full-ranging movement of the queen, along diagonals and ranks & files, is the real mark of modern chess. It is such a huge change that one French commentator called the new game eschés de la dame enragée (~ the mad queen's game), and the Italians called the game schacci alla rabioso (~furious chess). p328 Indeed, the change from a limited counsellor to an unlimited queen cannot be understood as part of the original war-game. It can only be understood as an attempt to improve the game as a sport. These changes made most of the older chess culture obsolete. The slow development in the openings was replaced by gambits and rapid attacks. The relative values of the pieces are changed. p228 The game can now only be won by mate or resignation by one of the players. Originally, this was not seen as a problem, but as technique improved, so did the number of draws. This became a matter for discussion in the early 20th century. The limited number of ways to win changed what players needed to win in the endgame ; many endgames which could be won with the old rules now were drawn. The first printed work on chess to survive to the present day is Luis de Lucena's Arte de axedres , printed in Salamanca , Spain. It can be dated to 1496 or 1497. p73 It presents a number of chess problems, some of which are in the old rules ( del viejo ), some in the new rules ( dela dama ). This suggests that the transition is not quite complete, and some readers might not know about the new rules. By 1512, when Damiano published his Questo libro e da imparare giocare a scachi in Rome , it only included problems with the new rules, and does not mention the medieval game. The same applies to the Gottingen manuscript, probably written in Spain or Portugal. Though it has been claimed to be earlier, its content suggests it was not written before 1500. p74 England and Germany received the reformed game by 1530. After that, the old game was effectively dead—in Europe, at any rate. A version of the old game survived in India until recently. Theory of the game Modern chess theory was slow in developing. After the new moves of the pieces, players spent their time playing gambits , and trying to mate each other. The games of Gioacchino Greco (1600– ~1634) clearly show this. The first ideas as to how to win indirectly, 'positionally', started with Philidor . Modern chess has a lot of indirect manoeuvering of a kind the old Arabic players would have understood. They could not attack directly, because their Alfil and Firzān (our bishop and queen) had such limited moves. One interesting fact is that the Arabs divided their game into the same three stages which we do today: opening , middlegame and endgame . p234 At the start of a game, the Arabic masters took a number of moves before the pieces were in contact with the other side. Relative values of the pieces Shatranj value Modern value Baidaq 1 Pawn 1 Faras 4 Knight 3 Fīl 1.5 Bishop 3 Rūkh 6 Rook 5 Firz 2 Queen 9 The table, based roughly on square control, suggests the modern game deploys about 20% more force on the board than the older game. However, this understates the case, since the table does not allow for castling, nor the initial optional double move of the pawn. Also, the pawn promotion to the new queen is hugely significant when it takes place. No exact value can be placed on these elements, but perhaps the modern game makes use of up to a third more force than in the original game. Also, the fast development of the pieces makes the opening far more important in the modern game. Evidence from archaeology Single pieces found in archaeology are seldom taken as chessmen; they are much more likely to be general art objects. Groups of small objects are more likely chessmen if there are of more than two types. Many board games have used two kinds of pieces, but only chess uses six different kinds. A dig might not turn up all six forms, but more than two is indicative of chess. If the forms have characteristic chess figures (foot soldiers, kings, man on horse) this is even more convincing. The evidence from archaeology comes mostly from the discovery of early chess sets, and also from rock art : carvings (petroglyphs) and paintings on rock . The earliest chessmen found are the Afrasiab collection. In 1977 the Uzbekistan Academy of Archaeology conducted a dig at Afrasiab, near Samarkand . p15 p58 Samarkand is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, and at times it has been one of the greatest cities of Central Asia . Samarkand is on the trade route between China and the Mediterranean (the Silk Road ), and so it is a logical place for a trader to store some of his precious goods . The Afrasiab finds include seven chess pieces. They are heavily worn, but they include: two foot soldiers with shields and short swords (= our pawns); a war elephant with chain armour and a rider in full battle -dress (= our bishop); a visier (= our queen) with two horses with armed rider; two mounted riders with sword and shield (= knights); and the Shah, on a three-horse chariot , holding a mace -like symbol of power (= our king). That is five out of the six types of piece, and completely convincing as a chess set. The rukh (rook) is also known: it features a three-horse chariot with two men, one driving, and the other armed with sword and shield. p61–62 This group is dated to the 7th–8th centuries, and probably come from the end of the Sassanid Empire just before the Arabic conquest. They are representational , meaning they are small carvings (though somewhat crude) of war men and equipment. Later Arabic sets became abstract shapes, in accordance with their religious teaching. The 12th-century Lewis chessmen in the collection of the National Museum of Scotland . The Chess Players by Henry Fox Talbot , 1847 Stamp of the USSR devoted to the accomplished Estonian player and analyst Paul Keres , 1991 Animation of the Immortal Game , in which Adolf Anderssen , playing white, beat Lionel Kieseritzky in June 1851 Wilhelm Steinitz , the first official World Chess Champion World Champions José Raúl Capablanca (left) and Emanuel Lasker in 1925 Current World Champion Magnus Carlsen Persian manuscript from the 14th century describing how an ambassador from India brought chess to the Persian court Shams-e-Tabrīzī as portrayed in a 1500 painting in a page of a copy of Rumi 's poem dedicated to Shams Chess game between Tha'ālibī and Bakhazari, 1896 painting by Ludwig Deutsch Knights Templar playing chess, Libro de los juegos , 1283 Otto IV of Brandenburg playing chess with a woman, 1305 to 1340 A couple playing chess, ivory mirror case c. 1300 A woodcut drawn from Caxton 's chess book printed in England in 1474 A tactical puzzle from Lucena's 1497 book A gaming table with chessboard (Germany, 1735). A Russian set made of walrus ivory, 1750s Portrait of François-André Danican Philidor from L'analyse des échecs . London, second edition, 1777 Original Staunton chess pieces by Nathaniel Cooke from 1849 This page was last modified on 11 July 2024, at 14:12. Suggest an edit . We’re fighting to restore access to 500,000+ books in court this week. Join us! 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School Education / Essay on Chess in 500 Words in English for School Students Updated on   May 14, 2024 Essay on Chess: Chess is known as the ‘Royal Game’ as it was popular among the nobility in ancient and medieval times. Some find chess interesting, some not, but this two-man game can teach you the art of winning and losing in life. Originating in ancient India, this timeless game has journeyed through epochs, shaping civilisations and captivating minds worldwide. Let’s discuss more through an essay on chess. Table of Contents 1.1 Origins of Chess: Chaturanga and Its Legacy 1.2 From India to Persia and Beyond 1.3 Medieval Europe: Adoption and Adaptation 1.4 Standardization and Globalization: The Rise of FIDE 1.5 Indian Chess: A Renaissance and Future Prospects 1.6 Conclusion Essay on Chess in 500 Words Chess is a game of strategy and intellect. It has a rich history that spans centuries and continents. From its humble beginnings in ancient India to its modern-day status as a global phenomenon, the evolution of chess reflects the cultural exchanges and innovations of civilisations throughout history.                  Quick Read: Essay on the Role of Youth in Nation-Building Origins of Chess: Chaturanga and Its Legacy The origins of chess trace back to the ancient Indian game of Chaturanga, which flourished around the 6th century. Chaturanga, meaning “four divisions,” was a precursor to modern chess, featuring distinct military divisions represented by pieces on a 64-square board. While the exact origins remain shrouded in mystery, evidence suggests that Chaturanga played a pivotal role in the development of chess, with its strategic gameplay and unique piece movements laying the foundation for the game we know today. From India to Persia and Beyond The expansion of chess beyond India began in the 7th century when Indian rulers shared the game with the Sasanian Empire in Persia. Renamed Shatranj or Chaturang in Persia, chess underwent adaptations, including the introduction of new pieces like the firzan (counsellor). The game’s journey along the Silk Road facilitated its spread to East Asia, where it evolved into variants such as Chinese chess. The cultural exchanges along these trade routes influenced regional variations, enriching the diversity of chess gameplay. Medieval Europe: Adoption and Adaptation The introduction of chess to medieval Europe occurred through the Arab Empire, which patronised the game despite prohibitions on gambling. As chess spread across Northern Africa and Europe, it underwent further adaptations to suit local customs and preferences. While basic chess sets were prevalent during this period, the game gained popularity among European nobility, paving the way for elaborately crafted boards and pieces. Standardization and Globalization: The Rise of FIDE By the 19th century, efforts to standardize chess led to the development of the Staunton design, endorsed by Howard Staunton, a prominent chess player of the era. This standardisation facilitated organized competitions and tournaments, laying the groundwork for the establishment of FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) in 1924. FIDE’s formation marked a significant milestone in the globalization of chess, creating a unified framework for international competition and governance. Indian Chess: A Renaissance and Future Prospects Despite its ancient origins, India’s contributions to chess were revitalized in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with players like Vishwanathan Anand emerging as world champions. This resurgence reflects India’s enduring connection to the game and its ongoing efforts to produce world-class talent. The rise of young prodigies like Gokesh symbolises India’s continued prominence in the world of chess, reaffirming its legacy as the birthplace of this timeless game. Quick Read: Essay on Voting Rights in India: 500 Words in English for Students Chess’s evolution from its origins in ancient India to its global prominence today exemplifies the enduring appeal of strategic gameplay and intellectual challenge. As the game continues to adapt and thrive in diverse cultural contexts, it remains a testament to the human capacity for creativity, ingenuity, and competitive spirit. Whether played on a digital platform or across a traditional board, chess transcends boundaries, uniting players across time and space in the pursuit of victory and mastery. Ans: As we navigate the chessboard of life, let’s remember the valuable lessons we can learn from this timeless game. Whether we play for fun or aspire to become chess champions, the strategic world of chess is an exceptional realm that rewards dedication, patience, and the thrill of a well-executed strategy. Ans: Playing chess can improve our mental and problem-solving skills. It is a game of strategy, where we can learn how to make plans and achieve our life goals. Chess is an educational tool and can help students enhance their focus. Moreover, chess can teach the art of winning and losing. Ans: The game of chess was born in India during the Gupta dynasty in the 6th century. Today, more than 1500 years later, it is played in 172 countries. Popular Essay Topics For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay writing page and follow Leverage Edu. Aayushi Vardhan Leave a Reply Cancel reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Contact no. * Connect With Us 45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today.. 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Don't Miss Out Talk to our experts 1800-120-456-456 World Ozone Day Essay in English World Ozone Day: An Essay on Environmental Awareness On September 16th each year, Ozone Day is commemorated to raise awareness about the depletion of the ozone layer and the critical necessity to protect it. The delicate ozone layer acts as a vital shield of gas that is essential for safeguarding the Earth from the damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the sun. This Ozone Day essay provides an overview of World Ozone Day's significance, emphasising the history of World Ozone Day, its importance, and the worldwide actions taken to protect this crucial part of our atmosphere. Recognising the significance of this day helps us acknowledge the shared responsibility we have to protect the environment for future generations. Please read the essay on World Ozone Day in English for your perusal. Introduction September 16th is the date when World Ozone Day is commemorated each year, and it serves as a significant international occasion to increase awareness of the crucial role played by the ozone layer in safeguarding life on our planet. Situated in the Earth's stratosphere, the ozone layer is a slender layer of gas that shields us from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the sun. Life on Earth would face considerable risks without this protective barrier, as higher exposure to UV rays could lead to elevated incidences of skin cancer , cataracts, and other health problems, while also causing harm to ecosystems. This piece of writing explains the significance, background, and worldwide importance of World Ozone Day, underlining the necessity for united endeavours to safeguard this essential element of our atmosphere. Importance of the Ozone Layer The ozone layer acts as a shield, blocking the sun’s harmful UV-B and UV-C rays, which can cause severe harm to living beings. By soaking up most of the UV radiation, the ozone layer stops it from reaching the Earth's surface in harmful quantities. This safeguard is essential for human well-being, as too much UV exposure can result in skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened immune systems. Moreover, the ozone layer plays a crucial role in safeguarding marine ecosystems, terrestrial plants , and animals, since excessive UV radiation can disturb the delicate balance of these environments. World Ozone Day History World Ozone Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987. This significant international treaty aimed to phase out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The Montreal Protocol is widely seen as a highly successful environmental accord, with 197 nations committing to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of ODS like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared September 16th as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, acknowledging the global efforts to safeguard the ozone layer and secure a sustainable future. Global Significance and Collective Responsibility World Ozone Day holds global significance that goes beyond just protecting the ozone layer. It stands as a strong reminder of the importance of international collaboration in addressing environmental issues. The success of the Montreal Protocol showcases how working together can bring positive results for the Earth. The protocol's efforts to phase out ODS have not only helped heal the ozone layer but also reduced the impact of climate change, as many ODS are potent greenhouse gases. World Ozone Day also emphasises the ongoing need for vigilance and action. Despite significant progress, the ozone layer is still in the process of recovery and is expected to return to its pre-1980 levels by the mid-century if current measures are upheld. This day urges governments, industries, and individuals to stay dedicated to protecting the ozone layer and to continue seeking sustainable alternatives to harmful substances. Short Essay on World Ozone Day September 16th marks the annual celebration of World Ozone Day, an important event focused on creating awareness about the crucial role of the ozone layer and the necessity of preserving it. Positioned in the Earth's stratosphere, the ozone layer serves as a protective barrier by absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is essential for safeguarding life on Earth. Overexposure to UV radiation can result in severe health problems such as skin cancer, cataracts, weakened immune systems, and ecological damage, highlighting the significance of this natural shield. The history of World Ozone Day can be traced back to 1987 with the signing of the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement intended to eliminate the production of substances responsible for ozone depletion, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). In 1994, the United Nations designated September 16th as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer to honour the signing of this groundbreaking treaty. World Ozone Day serves as a powerful reminder of the accomplishments of the Montreal Protocol and the ongoing global collaboration required for environmental protection. Despite the considerable progress made, the ozone layer is still in the process of recovery, emphasising the continuous efforts needed to ensure its complete restoration. This annual observance motivates individuals, communities, and governments to maintain their commitment to preserving the ozone layer, thereby securing a healthier and safer planet for future generations. World Ozone Day Quotes "The ozone layer is a fragile shield of gas that protects the Earth from the harmful rays of the sun; it needs our protection too." "Preserving the ozone layer is not just about protecting the environment, it’s about securing our future." "The Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth. Protect the ozone, protect life." "Every small step towards reducing ozone-depleting substances is a giant leap towards a safer planet." "The ozone layer is our Earth's sunscreen; let’s not let it fade away." "Healing the ozone layer is healing our planet’s future." "A world without ozone is like a home without a roof—protect it for the sake of all life." "Let’s work together to ensure that the sky above remains a haven for generations to come." "The time to protect the ozone is now; the future of our planet depends on it." "World Ozone Day reminds us that the fight to protect our atmosphere is a fight for our survival." The observance of World Ozone Day is an important time to look back on the strides made in safeguarding the ozone layer and reaffirming our dedication to conserving the environment. This piece offers a brief composition on World Ozone Day, highlighting the extensive history and accomplishments of the Montreal Protocol, which stands as a motivating illustration of what can be accomplished when countries come together for a shared cause. It is crucial, as we celebrate this day, to acknowledge the significance of the ozone layer in protecting life on Earth and to collectively shoulder the responsibility of preserving it. By persisting in our endeavours, we can guarantee a healthier planet for future generations, where the ozone layer remains undamaged and life can flourish. FAQs on World Ozone Day Essay in English 1. What is World Ozone Day? World Ozone Day, observed on September 16th, is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of the ozone layer and the need to protect it. 2. Why is the ozone layer important as discussed in the Ozone Day essay in english? The ozone layer protects Earth by absorbing most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause health problems like skin cancer and cataracts, and harm ecosystems. 3. When was World Ozone Day first established? The United Nations General Assembly established World Ozone Day in 1994, commemorating the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987. 4. What is the Montreal Protocol, mentioned in the short essay on world ozone day? The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty signed in 1987 aimed at phasing out the production and consumption of substances that deplete the ozone layer. 5. How do substances like CFCs affect the ozone layer? Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances (ODS) release chlorine and bromine into the atmosphere, which break down ozone molecules, thinning the ozone layer. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances (ODS) release chlorine and bromine into the atmosphere, which break down ozone molecules, thinning the ozone layer. 6. What are the health impacts of ozone layer depletion? Ozone depletion increases UV radiation reaching the Earth, leading to higher risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened immune systems in humans, and can also affect wildlife. 7. Is the ozone layer recovering, as discussed in the World Ozone Day essay in english? Yes, thanks to global efforts like the Montreal Protocol, the ozone layer is gradually recovering and is expected to return to pre-1980 levels by the mid-21st century. 8. How does ozone depletion affect the environment? Increased UV radiation can damage crops, marine ecosystems, and biodiversity, leading to disruptions in food chains and ecological balance. 9. What actions can individuals take to protect the ozone layer? Individuals can avoid using products containing ozone-depleting substances, support policies for environmental protection, and raise awareness about the importance of the ozone layer. 10. What are some common ozone-depleting substances (ODS)? Common ODS include CFCs, halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform, which were once widely used in refrigeration, aerosol sprays, and fire extinguishers. 11. How does climate change relate to ozone depletion, according to the World Ozone Day history? While distinct issues, climate change and ozone depletion are linked; some ODS are also potent greenhouse gases, and the reduction of these substances helps mitigate both problems. 12. What role do international agreements play in ozone layer protection? International agreements like the Montreal Protocol have been crucial in reducing and eventually eliminating the use of ODS, leading to significant progress in ozone layer recovery. 13. What is the ozone hole? The ozone hole refers to a significant thinning of the ozone layer over Antarctica, first observed in the 1980s, largely caused by human-made chemicals like CFCs. 14. Why is World Ozone Day significant for environmental awareness? World Ozone Day highlights the importance of global cooperation in solving environmental problems and serves as a reminder of the need to protect the ozone layer for future generations. 15. What future challenges remain in protecting the ozone layer? Ongoing challenges include ensuring compliance with the Montreal Protocol, addressing the illegal use of ODS, and dealing with emerging threats like new industrial chemicals that could harm the ozone layer. 177 IMAGES History Of Chess Essay Example (600 Words) History of chess Free Essay Example Expository Essay Sample: The History of Chess History of Chess Chess history of chess COMMENTS History of Chess English‎. Chess has a long and storied history. The game has changed quite a bit from its earliest forms in India. The modern iteration we enjoy today wasn't known until the 16th century. There were no clocks, and the pieces were not standardized until the 19th century. The official world championship title came into existence by the late ... History of chess The 12th-century Lewis chessmen in the collection of the National Museum of Scotland. The history of chess can be traced back nearly 1,500 years to its earliest known predecessor, called chaturanga, in India; its prehistory is the subject of speculation.From India it spread to Persia, where it was modified in terms of shapes and rules and developed into Shatranj. Chess Chess - History: The origin of chess remains a matter of controversy. There is no credible evidence that chess existed in a form approaching the modern game before the 6th century ce. Game pieces found in Russia, China, India, Central Asia, Pakistan, and elsewhere that have been determined to be older than that are now regarded as coming from earlier distantly related board games, often ... Chess History: The Astonishing History of Chess (With Timeline) The history of chess goes back many centuries. Traced to its roots, chess can be seen as a game with 1500 years of history. Although it wasn't always known as chess, similar games first began being played in the 7th century. Today, the name Wilhelm Steinitz is often thrown about as the father of modern chess. Chess chess, one of the oldest and most popular board games, played by two opponents on a checkered board with specially designed pieces of contrasting colours, commonly white and black.White moves first, after which the players alternate turns in accordance with fixed rules, each player attempting to force the opponent's principal piece, the King, into checkmate—a position where it is unable to ... The Heritage and Evolution of Chess: A Journey through Time Introduction: Chess is a timeless game that has captured the hearts and minds of people from diverse cultures for centuries. Its rich heritage, which spans over a millennium, reflects the evolving nature of human society, intellectual pursuits, and strategic thinking. This essay delves into the heritage... A Brief History of Chess By Shai Hecker, Operations Intern. Chess is one of the oldest games that is still around today. Although no one knows the exact location where the game came from there seems to be a consensus that the game originated in India around the 8th century. However, Persia helped shape the game as well. When you take a look at the chess board you'll notice that each piece is a character. Origin and the rules of chess (Read Garry Kasparov's Britannica essay on chess. Bobby Fischer Summary. Bobby Fischer was an American-born chess master who became the youngest grandmaster in history when he received the title in 1958. His youthful intemperance and brilliant playing drew the attention of the American public to the game of chess, particularly when he won the ... Explore the History of Chess, From Ancient India to the Cold War Rivalries The Queen's Gambit —with an edgy-yet-charming female chess prodigy—is fictional and based on the 1983 book by Walter Tevis. However, with the mod '60s fashion and Cold War rivalries, many Americans suddenly find chess both fascinating and approachable. Read on to explore a brief history of this fascinating, ancient board game. History of Chess · International Games Day Chess is an intellectually demanding and elegant game. The original form of chess was invented in India more than 1,300 years ago. Over the course of the centuries, chess has become the undisputed queen of all board games. It has been subject to more exhaustive analysis and it has had more books and articles written about it than all the rest ... History Of Chess Chaturanga, The Origin Of Chess. It's hard to really tell who created chess and when it happened. Some people suppose chess was born in China. However, most historians believe that Persians invented the game about 1500 years ago. Besides, many people agree that the Persian game was an adaptation of an older Indian game called chaturanga, which ... Expository Essay Sample: The History of Chess However, according to Chess.com, "Today we know that chess originated from the Gupta Empire (600CE), of India. The pieces come from the primary military elements of that time: the infantry, the elephants, the cavalry and the chariots" ("History of Chess: The Basics"). Some experts have claimed the game could have originated in China ... Chess & History: The Origin of The Chessboard Drawing of the starting positions in chess from the "Cyclopedia of Valuable Receipts" by Henry B. Scammell, 1897. Even if it is only a myth, the rice grain legend is considered to be the first indication of the origin of chess and thus also of the chessboard. According to this legend, the wise Brahmin Sissa, who lived in India, created a game ... A Brief History of Chess Chess was borne out of the Indian game chaturanga before the 600s AD. Once it reached Western Europe, it evolved by the 1500s into what we now know as chess. One of the first masters of the game as we play it today was a Spanish priest named Ruy Lopez, from Segura, who did not invent the opening named after him, but analyzed it in a book he ... Time Essay: Why They Play: The Psychology of Chess U.S. Grand Master Larry Evans, in fact, takes a coolly pragmatic approach to the game. "In chess," he says, "what counts is what you know, not whom you know. It's the way life is supposed ... PDF The History of Chess Chess is a game of about 1,500 years that originated in India, traveled to Persia, and through Muslim influence, spread throughout Europe. In that progression, its rules have drastically changed, and its pieces have also transformed. There are still several variations of chess in multiple countries, like China, Japan, Korea, and more. A brief history of chess A brief history of chess. Travel back to the 6th century where the history of chess finds its origins in an Indian strategy game called chaturanga, "which translates as "four divisions (of the military)": infantry, cavalry, elephantry, and chariotry. These forms are represented by the pieces that would evolve into the modern pawn, knight ... The Morals of Chess The Morals of Chess. "The Morals of Chess" is an essay on chess by the American intellectual Benjamin Franklin, which was first published in the Columbian Magazine in December 1786. [ 1] Franklin, who was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, played chess from at least 1733. Evidence suggests that he was an above-average player, who ... History of chess Facts for Kids The history of chess goes back 2200 years. It was played in Chinese Warring Sates Period about 200BC, called XiangQi. Modern International Chess game though originated in northern India in the 6th century (which shares quite a few common Characteristics with the Chinese creation) AD and spread to Persia.When the Arabs conquered Persia, chess was taken up by the Muslim world and subsequently ... A History Of Chess : H. J. R. Murray : Free Download, Borrow, and A History of Chess by Harold James Ruthven Murray, published in 1913 by Clarendon Press, Oxford. Book digitized by Google (id=VBYLAAAAIAAJ) from Stanford University and uploaded to the Internet Archive by user svat. Essay on Chess in 500 Words in English for School Students Essay on Chess in 500 Words. Chess is a game of strategy and intellect. It has a rich history that spans centuries and continents. From its humble beginnings in ancient India to its modern-day status as a global phenomenon, the evolution of chess reflects the cultural exchanges and innovations of civilisations throughout history. History Of Chess Essay Example (600 Words) 2. Order custom essay History of Chess with free plagiarism report. From the first chessmen known of in Western Europe (except Iberia and Greece) being ornamental chess kings brought in as curios by Muslim traders. The Mongols call the game shatar, and in Ethiopia it is called senterej, both evidently derived from shatranj. Chess Essay for Students in English Short Essay on Chess. Chess, requiring intelligence and strategic skills, is a board game played with two players at a time. The game was derived from an Indian ancestor called 'chaturanga'. The following short essay on chess provides information on the game stating its importance in brief. For one to check out on the internet my favourite ... Ozone Day Essay In English: Importance, History, and Global ... This Ozone Day essay provides an overview of World Ozone Day's significance, emphasising the history of World Ozone Day, its importance, and the worldwide actions taken to protect this crucial part of our atmosphere. Recognising the significance of this day helps us acknowledge the shared responsibility we have to protect the environment for future generations. assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review speech thesis