
Have you ever thought about the origin and evolution of the game of chess? Chess has got a captivating history that spans over a millennium. Every move on the chessboard tells a story. Come!! Let us explore the fascinating tale of chess.
There is no evidence that chess existed before the 6th Century. Chess is believed to have originated in India during the Gupta Empire in the 6th century AD. The game was then known as “Chaturanga” - a Sanskrit name for a battle formation mentioned in the Indian epic “Mahabharata”. Chaturanga denotes the four divisions of the military - “infantry”, “cavalry”, “elephants” and “chariots” represented by different pieces on the board. Just like modern-day chess, the different pieces of Chaturanga had different powers, and victory was based on one piece - the King of modern-day chess.
In the 7th Century AD, Chaturanga spread to Persia (modern-day Iran) and changed the name to “Shatranj”. The Persians made some modifications to the rules and the pieces and introduced the concept of “Checkmate”. A Persian Prince who had lost all his wealth and possessions in a game of chess decided to stake his wife as a last resort to regain his fortune. His wife was watching the game from a purdah and wanted her husband to win the game. When the prince faced a critical moment in the game, she cried out to him to move the elephant (modern-day rook) and the pawn forward and with the horse (knight) give checkmate. The prince executed the moves suggested by his wife and won the game, recovering his lost wealth.
The Islamic conquests of Persia led to the spread of chess across the Arab world and the greater Islamic Civilization in the 8th Century AD. Gradually, during the Moorish conquest of Spain, the game spread to Europe as well. This happened in the 9th and 10th Century AD. In Europe, the moves of the pieces changed in the 15th Century. The rules were standardised and new pieces such as the Queen and Bishop were introduced. The modern Chess game started with these changes.
The 19th Century marked a turning point for chess with the establishment of International Chess competitions and the adoption of formal chess tournaments. Chess clocks were first used in 1883 and the world’s first Chess Championship was held in 1886. The 20th century showed advances in chess theory and the establishment of the World Chess Federation (FIDE). Chess continued to thrive in the 20th and 21st centuries, with numerous world championships, and the rise of iconic champions like Bobby Fischer, Anatoly Karpov, Garry Kasparov, Vladimir Kramnik, Viswanathan Anand, and Magnus Carlsen. The world’s first chess-playing computer program was invented in 1957 and the first online chess was invented in 1992.
In the present-day world, chess is enjoyed by millions of players of all ages and skill levels. It is recognized as a sport and is promoted for its cognitive benefits, strategic brilliance, and the way it boosts our critical thinking and problem-solving skills. International Day of Chess celebrates the rich history and the lasting legacy of the game and continues to captivate and inspire people across generations. Outpace Academy with its passion for promoting chess education stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of this game. With a focus on excellence and dedication, Outpace Academy's Chess Coaching Programs offer a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. Just like chess's rich journey across nations, Outpace Academy, the best chess coaching academy has expanded its reach, becoming a global platform for chess enthusiasts to come together and share their passion.
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