Checkmate: a brief history of chess

Early beginnings

While the exact origins of chess remain uncertain, most historians accept that the game had its beginnings as early as the 6th century.

It is commonly accepted that the earliest precursor to chess as we know it today originated in India during the time of the Gupta Empire.

How it came about

He chose to re-enact the scene of his brother's unfortunate death on an 8 x 8 board, called an ashtapada, which was used for other past times.

Terminology

During this time the game was called chaturanga, meaning "four divisions." When the game was transported to Persia, it took on new terminology.

Worldwide spread

After the 7th-century Islamic conquest of Persia, which led to the fall of the Sasanian Empire and the rise of Islam, chess became known to the Arab world.

Chinese version

The Chinese version of the game was influenced by the native game go, and pieces were placed at the intersection of the squares rather than in the middle.

European version

However, it was in Europe that the game developed into the game we know and love today. By 1000 CE it was a staple of courtly education.

The Church and chess

The Church, however, was disapproving of games in general, and chess in particular was banned by political and religious leaders time and again.

Introduction of the Queen

Despite being banned repeatedly, chess remained popular, and with the introduction of the Queen piece towards the end of the 15th century, it became more popular still.

When the Queen was introduced, a number of other rules were popularized and records of common openings and end games began to proliferate.

Romantic chess

The type of chess played during this period is referred to as “Romantic chess,” as it was characterized by bold, dramatic moves.

Competitive chess

With the advent of the international chess tournament, the game became geo-political. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union invested a lot in its competitive chess players.

Computerized chess

An IBM computer called Deep Blue beat Soviet player Garry Kasparov in a game that signaled the arrival of the era of computer domination.

Chess today

Into the 21st century chess remains a very popular pastime. In 2015, a survey estimated that 605 million adults were regular chess players.

Chess in popular culture

The 2016 film ‘Queen of Katwe’ depicts the life of Phiona Mutesi, a girl from a Kampala slum who learns to play chess and becomes a Woman Candidate Master.