Monday, June 24, 2013

Answer To Where Did Chess Originate

By Lana Bray


The answer to where did chess originate remains elusive considering that the game has evolved over time. A number of nations and people have contributed to its current form, making it impossible to attribute the current form to one person. India is however considered the mother land with the primitive form of the game having been played 1500 years ago.

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.

Some features that still remain in the game are accredited to the Gupta Empire who included four of their army divisions to play. This game went by the name Changuranga and represented four divisions in their army. They were chariotry, infantry, cavalry and elephantry. Their representatives on the board are rook, modern pawn, knight and bishop. This formed part of the activities at the Persian palaces.

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.

The first professional to be recorded in history books was Gioacchino Greco from Italy. He analyzed related games and how they differed from the widely perceived format. The analysis conducted popularized the game and brought attention to the need for a harmonized set of playing rules.

Competition in this game began in 1851 at a professional and international level. This was in a tournament held in London that would define the future of the game. The time taken by players to make a move was a big concern to organizers. One player is said to have taken over twenty minutes to decide on the next move. In total, the delay was over twenty hours. The situation led to the emergence of Speed and Five minute Chess among other variations.

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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