Where Did Chess Originate From

By Lana Bray


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 took it to Persia while Muslims took it with them wherever they went. Some of the areas where they went include South of Europe. Its presence is Persian is mainly due to the contribution of Arabs. Europe had a huge part to play in getting the game where it is from the fifteenth century. A maiden championship held in 1886 is credited for instilling professionalism.

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.

In India, the Gupta Empire referred to it as Chaturanga which represented the four divisions in their military. These divisions were cavalry, infantry, chariotry and elephantry. The pieces that have evolved today to represent these groups are the rook, bishop, knight and modern pawn. The game was adopted by the Persian Courts as one of the activities of the nobility.

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.

Records have it that Gioacchino Greco was the first professional, having been born in Italy. He took time to compare different styles and formats of play and draw similarity. These were the first steps towards the development of a formal game with harmonized rules and professional approach.

Modern style and competition has its core in London during the tournament held in 1851. Concerns were raised about players taking too long to think about their next move. Records of over twenty minutes thinking about a single action and a total of twenty hours in a game became a concern. These concerns lead to the development of Speed and Five Minutes chess among other variants.

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.

A definite answer when one asks where did chess originate has not been forthcoming. This is mainly due to contributions made by different people at different times over the years. Modifications on rules have made the game competitive, enjoyable and professional. This game is therefore a product of different people, cultures and time.




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