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The History of Chess

Chaturanga to Deep Blue

By Sapphire RavenclawPublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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A game of strategy, chess is, no doubt, one of the most well-known games in the world. It may also be able to claim itself on of the oldest.

There is some argument by some historians that chess began in China. The general consensus however, is that it has its origins in a sixth-century Indian game.

Chess can be enjoyed by anyone but is, no doubt, difficult to master.

Indian Origins: Chaturanga

The sixth-century Indian game of chaturanga is thought to be a common ancestor of several strategy board games: shogi, makruk, janggi and, of course, chess.

The word 'chaturanga' comes from Sanskrit. "Chatur" meaning 'four' and 'anga' meaning 'arm.' In some epic poetry, the word translates to 'army'.

The exact rules of chaturanga are unknown. The game is still played in India today but has many variations.

An ancient battle formation, 'akshauhini', is similar to the set up of chaturanga.

Traditional Chess Board and Pieces

Early Modifications

Although the exact rules of Chaturanga are not known, it is believed that the game developed in the Gupta Empire. This Empire existed from around mid- to late-third century to 590 AD. At its height, the Gupta Empire covered much of the Indian subcontinent.

In the seventh century, the game of Chaturanga was adopted by Persia as 'shatranj.' From there, it was introduced via the Greeks to the Western world as Arabs invaded Spain in the eighth century.

The first chess board as it would appear today—alternating light and dark squares—is thought to have been made in Europe in 1090

Rules of the game were further modified around 1200 AD and then again in 1475.

15th Century Queen

It was the rules of 1475 in which the game pieces assumed their current powers. The Arabs may have brought chess to Spain but it was Spanish Queen Isabella of Castile who inspired the newest piece in the game.

It would, however, be another 20 years before the chess queen was became the most powerful piece. She had previously only been able to move one square at a time.

The rules were standardised during the 19th century. Chess sets are now available in many forms, shapes and sizes from delicate glass chess sets to Harry Potter Wizard Chess, yet the rules remain the same.

Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set

Wilhelm Steinitz

The rules of chess were standardised in the 19th century and Wilhelm Steinitz is credited as 'Godfather of modern day chess.'

Steinitz was the first undisputed World Chess Champion in 1886. and wrote a number of books including The Modern Chess Instructor, published in 1889 and 1895.

Since 1948, the Chess World Championship has been regulated by FIDE (Federation Nationale des Echecs). FIDE awards life-time master titles including Grand Master.

FIDE is a member of International Olympic Committee, and was included in the Asian Games (Asiad) in 2006 ad 2010. These accolades could be considered recognition of chess as a sport.

Deep Blue

By James the photographer [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Gary Kasparov and Deep Blue

Russian Grand Master Gary Kasparov was number one for 225 out of 228 weeks between 1986 and his retirement in 2005. At 22, he was the youngest undisputed World Champion in 1985.

In 1996, a computer named Deep Blue, which had been developed by IBM, defeated Kasparov in one game of a six-game match. Kasparov went on to win the match as he drew two and won three of the other five games.

However, a heavily upgraded Deep Blue beat Kasparov in 1997. This time, Kasparov and Deep Blue were tied at game five, with Deep Blue winning game six.

Deep Blue had developed from Deep Thought, an homage to Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Chess computers have continued to be named in this way.

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About the Creator

Sapphire Ravenclaw

I am, among other things, a freelance writer and mother. I enjoy writing poetry and articles. Currently, much of my spare time is spent working on a book about Paganism (one of many subjects which interests me).

More of me:

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My Poetry

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