Where Did Chess Originate From

By Lana Bray


Where did chess originate is a question that has found numerous and varying answers. What is worth appreciating is the fact that it has evolved over time with numerous variations along the way. It is thought to have originated from India in the sixth century but not in its current form. This means that it is approximate 1500 years old.

The Indians spread it to Persia before it was taken by Muslims to southern Europe when Arabs conquered the Persian region. It is in Europe that the game is said to have taken its current shape. The change happened around the fifteenth century. Chess tournaments began in the late nineteenth century with the first championship being held in 1886.

Twentieth century has seen the formation of the World Chess Federation which has advanced the theory of play. Computers have added another dimension to this game especially the inclusion of analysis. This has seen a rise in online play and tremendous increase in continental gaming.

It is the Gupta Empire that is credited with institutionalizing play and giving form to some of the features. They named it Changuranga as a representation of their four divisions in the army. The divisions represented were elephantry, chariotry, cavalry and infantry. On the board, their positions were taken by the knight, rook, bishop and modern pawn. It is said that the Persian Courts used it as part of their noble activities.

The roles played by the king and checkmate have their origin in the Persian army. The queen and bishop were weaker and gained strength later in the 1500s. Some nations that have led to advancement of the game include Spain, France, Portugal and Italy. The stalemate situation was discussed and refined around the nineteenth century.

An Italian by the name Gioacchino Greco is considered the pioneer professional according to history books. He compared different games that were played in the same format, something that had never been done before. This led to formalization of this game with a harmonized structure for the rules and style of play.

London is credited for introducing the element of professional competition. The first of this kind happened in a tournament in 1851. Players took too long to decide the next move which became a concern. One took about twenty minutes on one move and a combined twenty hours over the entire game. Such challenges led to growth of Five Minutes and Speed chess. Other variants have also emerged.

Penalties would be imposed for delays in making moves. The tournament in Bristol provided the first timing using a sand glass. Ever since that tournament, pendulums have been used and later, modern clocks. Champions recorded include Emanuel Lasker, Vera Menchik and Adolf Anderssen.

Where did chess originate remains a question with multiple answers. Different players and cultures have contributed in their own way over centuries. The rules have changed reflecting the need to make play professional, enjoyable and competitive. One can only recognize the cultures and people behind its current state over the years.




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