Many people ask where did chess originate and have not gotten a conclusive answer. The process of development has not been straight forward and involved a number of people over time. India is said to have given birth to the primitive form of the game back in the 6th century. The game is therefore estimated to be over 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.
The World Chess Federation was established in the twentieth century and paved way for the development of the theory of the game. The twenty first century has contributed to the growth of the game through introduction of computers analysis. Mind 1990s saw the emergence of online gaming which is responsible for it worldwide spread.
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 Persians gave the role and names to the checkmate and the king, which have stuck until now. The bishop and the queen were strengthened around 1500AD. Italy, Portugal, France and Spain have all had their significant contributions to the rules of the game. The situation referred to as stalemate was discussed and finalized around 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 and forfeitures were introduced at professional level to compel players to think faster. The first timing was done in Bristol in 1861 using a sandglass. Pendulums and modern clocks have since replaced this timer. Numerous champions have emerged over the years including Adolf Anderssen, Emanuel Lasker and Vera Menchik.
There is no straight answer to the question where did chess originate because it is a product of evolution. Different cultures and personalities have contributed to its current shape. Rules have been modified to make the game enjoyable, competitive and professional. This has happened over years and is worth appreciating the contribution of each person, era and association.
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.
The World Chess Federation was established in the twentieth century and paved way for the development of the theory of the game. The twenty first century has contributed to the growth of the game through introduction of computers analysis. Mind 1990s saw the emergence of online gaming which is responsible for it worldwide spread.
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 Persians gave the role and names to the checkmate and the king, which have stuck until now. The bishop and the queen were strengthened around 1500AD. Italy, Portugal, France and Spain have all had their significant contributions to the rules of the game. The situation referred to as stalemate was discussed and finalized around 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 and forfeitures were introduced at professional level to compel players to think faster. The first timing was done in Bristol in 1861 using a sandglass. Pendulums and modern clocks have since replaced this timer. Numerous champions have emerged over the years including Adolf Anderssen, Emanuel Lasker and Vera Menchik.
There is no straight answer to the question where did chess originate because it is a product of evolution. Different cultures and personalities have contributed to its current shape. Rules have been modified to make the game enjoyable, competitive and professional. This has happened over years and is worth appreciating the contribution of each person, era and association.
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