Chess is an interesting board game, one of the most popular in the world. This is a game on a special board - a chessboard, which is divided into 64 cells. There are two players, each of them has 16 figures of black or white color. It develops intellectual thinking, strategic actions and logic. Chess is one of the oldest games and has an ancient but surprisingly fascinating history.
Chess history
History of the origin of chess rather contradictory and heterogeneous. Most researchers believe that the game originated in India as early as the 6th century AD. It was invented during the reign of the powerful Gupta Empire. Then it had a military character and symbolized military actions.
Chess originates from the game of chaturanga, which is the ancestor of many strategic games such as xiangsi, shogi, changi. The main difference from them is that the initial location of the figures is asymmetrical to the vertical axis. Chaturanga completely modeled the structure of the Indian army, which featured four classes of troops such as infantry, cavalry, chariots and elephants. Four people were playing at that time. Accordingly, the figures were painted in four colors - yellow, green, red and black. Later, the names of the chips changed a little. Kings are now called kings, chariots are called tours, and counselors are called queens. The names of other figures have remained unchanged (elephants, pawns, horses).
Chaturanga is a complex game that required a clear calculation of each move. However, the movement of figures was determined by throwing a dice. Wooden boards of 8x8, sometimes 10x10 cells were used, where chess battles were fought. The figures were of different shapes - rajas, horses, elephants, pawns.
Over time, new rules similar to modern ones were introduced into the game, and the chess system itself was constantly updated. In particular, the game in India required four players and a dice. With the help of the latter, the order of entry of the participants was determined. It is believed that the Persians made significant changes to the game - they reduced the number of participants in the competition to two and abolished the throwing of the dice.
In the 9th-10th centuries, chess spread to various European countries. The first modern chessboard was made in 1090 on the territory of the West. The first Europeans who played chess were from Sicily. Like many predecessors, they also used dice at first. However, the Christian Church did not finally approve this rule. A ban was imposed on the game, which was supported by the highest circles of society.
Almost everyone played chess - military nobility, knights, higher clergy, monarchs. In the Middle Ages, they began to organize real tournaments on boards. It was then that they became widespread and became a favorite entertainment of the society of that time.
Who invented chess?
There are many versions of the origin of this ancient game. Most historians are inclined to think that chess was invented in India, but there are other hypotheses that are no less interesting. One of them is Persian. According to some written sources, chess appeared in Persia, on the territory of modern Iran. They had the name "shatranj" and completely new rules, not similar to Indian ones. Researchers still cannot establish the plausibility of this version. However, many of them believe that after all, the shahs went to Persia from India with the help of the ruler Khosrow, who brought them with him as a gift. One of the books contains a detailed description of chess, the capabilities of each piece. According to the author, the game is quite interesting and reflects the battle of the "black" and "white" armies. After the numerous defeats of the Persian soldiers and the conquest of the ancient country, chess spread to different corners of the planet.
It is interesting that even in the III-II century BC, a similar game of "xiangzi" was common in China. Starting from the 7th century, chess was brought by the Arabs to the Middle East, Africa and the Mediterranean. The Byzantines, who were mainly engaged in trade with the leading countries of the world, joined in improving the game, adapting it to European traditions.
Why was chess invented?
Many people think that chess was invented for fun and an interesting kind of recreation. However, this original board game was invented long ago for the purpose of developing military strategies. The board and pieces represent the battlefield and the army, and their movement is tactical maneuvers.
With the help of chess, various combinations of battles, strategies and possible moves were previously studied. The most diverse options of consequences were foreseen. In addition, the game stimulates active thinking and quick decision-making. A prerequisite is concentration of attention, planning of actions in advance. And for a successful fight, it is necessary to remember many moves and combinations, which trains the memory well.
It is hard to believe, but the figurines could perform mystical and magical rituals, such as divination. Whether it was chess or other similar figures that were common in Asia and Africa cannot be determined for sure, but this version has every right to exist.
So, chess was invented to teach military affairs and develop the mental abilities of the society of that time. Only later did they become an object for entertainment and a separate sport.
Why is chess so called?
As you know, chess spread from India to Persia, where it got the name "shatranj", which comes from two words - "chess" (king) and "ranj" (game). The name "chess" comes from the Persian "shah", which translates as "ruler", as well as "the correct proposal" in the game. Most likely, in those days it was called "King's game" or "correct positions". Considering the fact that the aristocracy mostly had access to the game, it is not difficult to explain such an interpretation.
In Europe, the word has retained its previous meaning, which emphasizes the importance of the king's role in the game. The king is the most important figure that must be protected. If he is under threat, the player declares "check" - "the king is under threat".
Throughout its centuries-old history, chess has undergone many updates, changing in different cultures. The name itself remained unchanged, preserving the meaning of "the game of the king" and emphasizing his main role in the game. This word has a symbolic interpretation, it reflects power, leadership and primacy.
A game of chess variety
As of today, there are many versions of the chess game. There are many unique games in different parts of the world. The most interesting and common among them are:
Standard chess
The most famous version of chess, which is played on a board of 8x8 cells with 32 pieces (16 for each player). The goal of the game is to checkmate the opponent, that is, to drive the king into an attack without the possibility of avoiding it. The participants of the tournament have a limited time to move, therefore, simultaneously with the development of thinking and logical abilities, a quick reaction and a rapid course of events are formed.
Military or combat chess
The game on an ordinary chessboard is played with the help of chess pieces according to the rules, which are slightly different from the usual ones. In fact, this is a blind game, because the participants do not see the pieces and make moves at random. Spectators like the spectacular plot, which makes it original and unique.
Swedish chess
A popular variation of the game in which four people participate. They play on two chessboards in teams of two. The rules are unique – captured figures on one board go to a partner on another board, who can then place them on his field. All this happens very quickly and dynamically, so it's fun for the audience to watch the action.
Fischer chess
An interesting variant of chess invented by Bobby Fischer in 1996. The rules are similar to regular chess, but unlike them, the game contains 960 different prepared possible positions. At the beginning of the game, the pawns are positioned as in regular chess, and their positions are completely random. For classical chess, the starting position is of key importance.
Chess is a surprisingly fascinating, but difficult game that has taken the whole world by storm. Constantly changing and updating, it has become not only a subject of people's leisure, but also an official international sport. This intellectual game is firmly rooted in international culture and is reflected in dozens of different variations. Thus, it is a real cultural heritage of mankind and a separate form of art.
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