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Chess: History and Rules

Chess is a board game played by two players, one playing the white pieces and the other playing the black pieces.

History
Chess is possibly the world’s oldest skill game. Chess historians believe that the game most likely originated in India in the sixth century A.D. This game was called shaturanga and required four players.

Shaturanga was brought to Persia later in the sixth century, where it developed into a game called Shatranj. The Persians modified the game in a way that closely resembles how we play today.

From Persia, the game spread through the Arab kingdoms and into the Byzantine Empire. Historians believe that the Crusaders then brought Shatranj to Europe., although some archaeological evidence suggests that the game has been played in Europe since the sixth century.

European chess, which is most similar to the game we play today, appeared in Southern Europe in the late 1500’s. Possibly because the Persian names were difficult to pronounce, the names of the pieces were changed to reflect common positions in Europe. The game quickly spread in popularity. Rules were changed to give additional power to certain pieces and to create additional strategies.

Over the ensuing centuries, the game morphed into the version we play today. Francoise-Andre Danican Philidor wrote the first book on chess theory in the late seventeenth century. In 1851 the first international chess tournament was held in London, England, which was won by Adolf Anderssen of Germany.

How to Play Chess
Chess is played on a chessboard consisting of 64 squares divided into eight rows and eight columns. The squares on the board alternate between light and dark with the lower left space initiating the pattern at dark.

Each player is given sixteen pieces with which they begin the game. The object of the game is to put the opposing player’s king in a position where it cannot escape, a move called a checkmate. Games can also end in a draw if neither side can win.

Each player is given identical pieces set up on opposite sides of the board. The pieces are as follows: eight pawns, two rooks, two Knights, two bishops, one queen and one king.

Chess Moves
Each piece on the chessboard has a specific style of movement. Players base their strategy on these types of moves.  The pieces are:

• Bishops: These pieces move diagonally as many places as the player chooses. They can move forward and backward but cannot jump over other pieces.
  
  
• King: The king can move in any direction but only one square at a time. The king is also limited in that it cannot move into a position in which it can be taken.
  
  
• Knights: Knights move in an “L” pattern. This pattern may consist of one square forward or backward and three to the side or the move may be three forward or backward and one to either side. The knight is the only piece that may jump over other pieces on the board while making its move.
  
  
• Pawns: Pawns are able to move forward one square at a time. The exception to this is on the first move and when taking the opponent’s pieces. On the first move, the pawn may move two squares and the pawn may only take opposing pieces by moving one square diagonally. Pawns may not jump over other pieces, nor may they move sideways or backwards.
  
  
• Rooks: Rooks may move forward, backward or sideways as many places as the player chooses. The Rook can only take opposing pieces in this manner. The Rook may not move diagonally nor can it jump over other pieces that are in its path.
  
  
• Queen: The queen is the most powerful piece on the board. It can move in any direction for as many squares the player chooses, but it cannot jump over other pieces.

Chess Strategies and Skills
Chess is a highly strategic game. Master players spend a lifetime studying strategy and practicing their craft.

There are numerous strategies a player may take and each requires foresight, long-term planning, anticipation, and guile. Some strategies involve controlling the center of the board, deliberately sacrificing a piece and preventing the movement of an enemy piece.

Playing chess also requires and improves several skills, including concentration, problem-solving and analytical skills. Chess also teaches people respect for their opponents, sportsmanship and etiquette.