Checkers is one of the oldest games in the world. It originated more than 3000 years ago, long before our era. This is an interesting board game that has a centuries-old history. Its rules are quite simple, and the exciting content allows not only to play, but also makes you think about every step. So what is this game and how did it take root in world culture?
Checkers history
Most researchers believe that the true foundations of the game were invented in Egypt, and from there spread throughout the world. During the archaeological excavations, tablets and figures were found. Their age was 3100 years BC! In the tomb of the famous pharaoh Tutankhamun, a checkerboard consisting of thirty cells was discovered. Scientists note that these games served not only for entertainment, but also had an important ritual and symbolic meaning in the culture of the state at that time.
Similar objects were found in Mesopotamia 3000 years ago. The Sumerian tables contain twenty cells, and are the best and most accurate prototypes of the modern game. Among the local population, it was called "ur" or "the game of kings", it was a little different from the present, but it was similar due to the movement of pieces on the playing field.
In ancient Greece and Rome, a few centuries before our era, they already played on a 64-cell board, and checkers were of two colors - white and black. They respectively symbolized two armies that went into battle against each other. Since retreat was out of the question, the moves were calculated only forward. Provided that if the figure broke through the rear of the enemy, this increased its combat ability and it became a checker. It is interesting that future knights were necessarily taught to play. These were peculiar skills of combat ethics and knightly duels.
The game was called "latrunculi", which comes from the word "latr" - "warrior". Another common name for the game is "calculus". In ancient Greece, it resembled a "petteia" - the prototype of modern checkers.
During the Renaissance, checkers became widespread. In the 16th and 17th centuries in the Netherlands and France, the first codified rules of the game, similar to the modern ones, were presented. At this time, the main varieties of checkers were formed - American, Norwegian, Brazilian.
Why are checkers so called?
There are several versions of the modern name. The most common of them indicates the connection of the name with game chips, which were called "checkers" or "checkers". It was fixed thanks to the form and ways of moving them around the board.
There is a version that "checkers" come from the Persian word "siyati", which translates as "to move along a line". This is easy to explain considering the peculiarities of the movement of chips only in straight lines.
Another, no less interesting theory derives the name from related games - "chess". Since they have similar elements of moving the figures, the name stuck similarly.
Some researchers put forward a hypothesis about the origin of the Indian word "shakti", which means "power" or "power". This is not surprising, because in those days the game was especially popular among the higher circles of seeds. The Indians also endowed them with special sacred meanings.
Who invented checkers?
The first thing that should be noted about the history of the game is one interesting myth. Since ancient times, it has been said that the god of trade Hermes invented the game of checkers in order to play with Luna on the condition that she would give him five days. He won, and as a result added them to 360, which had previously been a whole year.
Another legend says that the ancient Greek warrior Palamedes invented checkers out of boredom. The siege of Troy lasted for decades, so the man came up with this game to relax and distract the people. At first, the Greeks played it on the ground, drawing cells, over time they created a checkerboard similar to the modern one.
The plausibility of these transfers has not yet been determined, but it can be assumed why was checkers invented?. Since ancient times, during wars and periods of sieges, the population had to be distracted by something. And the soldiers themselves needed entertainment in their free time. Thus, with the invention of checkers, people's leisure activities have greatly diversified. They allowed to develop mental abilities, taught to think and make wise decisions, strategically plan every step.
The game was a means of training for military activity. It was the practice of strategies for moving figures on the playing field that served as a simulation of combat actions and maneuvers, which developed military skill.
In ancient Egypt, apart from population development and military affairs, checkers had a slightly different meaning. In particular, they were used in religious rites, were a means of communication with the gods, and had a peculiar cosmic order.
In Medieval Europe, checkers was a game exclusively for the nobility, which emphasized the aristocratic origin. The game of "checkers" or "checkers" was considered an indicator of upbringing, education and cultural manners. So, there is a version that checkers were invented in Europe to emphasize noble origin and as entertainment for nobles.
The history of the game of checkers in Ukrainian lands
In Kyivan Rus, the appearance of the game is associated with the beginning of the reign of Prince Volodymyr Monomakh. The ruler loved checkers and actively encouraged the population to play them. However, archaeological excavations have shown that people played checkers as early as the III-IV centuries of our era. These were chips, game boards and special boxes for sets. In pagan times, they were used in magical rituals and rites. They had a symbolic meaning.
In the days of Russia, checkers were the privilege of the upper classes of the population - princes, boyars and representatives of the clergy. They were called "domirs" and were considered a subject of education and refined manners.
Checkers gained special popularity during the Cossack state. Cossacks played at leisure, developing mental abilities and practical thinking skills. Gradually, they enriched and complicated the game, introducing new rules and changing the strategy of the game. Checkers were common among the Cossack foremen and the military elite. They designed entire military operations by placing figures on the playing field. At the same time, young soldiers were trained so that they would later become real professionals in military affairs. Some historians suggest that checkers were even included in the curriculum of Cossack schools, because they contributed to the development of strategic thinking and intellectual abilities.
During the times of Soviet Ukraine, the game became widespread. Many tournaments were organized, the national team of the Ukrainian SSR actively participated in international competitions. In the 19th and 20th centuries, competitions were held, clubs were created, and special specialized literature was even published. With independence, the game continues to develop. Ukrainian chess players successfully compete in international tournaments, and our national team occupies leading positions.
What are checkers?
The game has several main varieties of the game, which differ among themselves in terms of rules, field sizes and the number of chips. The most famous of them are:
International or Polish checkers
Most common in Europe. The game is played on a 10x10 cell field. Each has 12 figures, which are located on four horizontal lines. The goal of the game is to dominate the opponent's field. To do this, it is allowed to move the checker forward in any direction. The winner will not leave any of the opponent's pieces on the field or give him options for a move.
American checkers
Another name is "Chereks". This is a popular game in the United States of America. The game board contains an 8x8 field, 12 chips for each player. Unlike other varieties, the figure can only hit forward, and the checker got the opportunity to walk in different directions, but for one move. The goal is to capture all or most of the opponent's checkers.
Brazilian checkers
Checkers variant, where the rules are borrowed from international checkers. Common among South American players. An 8x8 field is used for the game, specific rules and moves are introduced, which distinguishes this version from the others.
Soviet checkers
Popular throughout the territory of the former USSR. An 8x8 board is used for the game, and the figures are placed on the first three rows. Unlike the international and American ones, a piece becomes a checker when it transits the checker field, after which it continues the game in its new role.
Therefore, checkers is a unique game with an ancient history and interesting cultural traditions. It is difficult to find a region in the world where people do not play them or do not even know about their existence. Due to the simple rules of the game and the original content of the game, checkers is one of the most popular board games on the planet.
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