Tunde Onakoya: 10 facts about royal game of Chess

Chess is often called the “royal game” due to its historical association with nobility and royalty. During various periods in history, chess was not only a pastime but also a symbol of power and intellect.

It was played by kings, queens, and nobles, and often served as a way to demonstrate strategic prowess and leadership qualities.

Because of its association with royalty and the aristocracy, chess earned the epithet “the royal game.” Additionally, the structure of the game itself, with its regal pieces like kings, queens, knights, and bishops, may have contributed to its royal designation.

The elegance and complexity of chess strategy further add to its perception as a game fit for royalty.

Here are ten facts about the game of chess:

Origin

Chess is believed to have originated in India during the Gupta Empire around the 6th century AD. It then spread to Persia and later to the Arab world and Europe.

 

Evolution of the Game

The modern version of chess, with its familiar rules and pieces, started to take shape in southern Europe during the 15th century.

 

Queen’s Power:

Originally, the queen was one of the weakest pieces on the board, moving only one square diagonally. It wasn’t until the 15th century that the queen gained its current powerful movement capabilities.

Checkmate:

The term “checkmate” comes from the Persian phrase “shah mat,” which means “the king is helpless” or “the king is dead.” This signifies the end of the game.

 

Chess Notation:

Chess games are often recorded using a specialized notation system called algebraic notation, which allows players to review and analyze their games later.

 

Longest Possible Game:

The longest possible game of chess could theoretically go on for 5,949 moves. This is because of the fifty-move rule, which allows a player to claim a draw if no pawn has been moved and no piece has been captured in the last fifty moves by each player.

 

Chess Computers:

The first chess-playing computer program was developed in 1951 by Alan Turing, the father of computer science. Since then, computers have become formidable opponents, even surpassing human grandmasters in skill.

 

World Chess Federation (FIDE):

FIDE is the international organization that governs the rules and regulations of chess, as well as organizing world championships and other international competitions.

 

Chess Variants:

There are numerous variants of chess played around the world, including variants with different board sizes, different starting positions, and even three-dimensional variants.

 

Chess Grandmasters:

The title of Grandmaster is the highest title awarded by FIDE. It is bestowed upon players who have achieved a certain level of proficiency and have demonstrated exceptional skill in official competitions.