Despite the long, mysterious history of chess, the identity of its inventor remains hidden from the world. According to records, there might be some context of its invention in our ancient texts. It is believed that the standardized chess we play today took shape in Europe. The modern chess pieces with their familiar shapes and movements were introduced in Europe in the 15th century, but the game went through a lot of modifications before then and turned into different variants while passing through dynamic cultures and empires.
Chess is a strategic board game that has evolved over centuries. As far as the question of who invented chess is concerned, it is believed to have been invented in India, with its origins dating back to the Gupta Empire in the 6th century AD. And when was chess invested? After the 6th century AD, the game as we know today was refined in Europe during the 15th century.
So, who invented chess – while this answer is not certain, but it can be attributed to early Indian scholars. The game’s complexity and enduring appeal have made it a timeless classic, enjoyed by millions worldwide.
Where Did Chess Originate?
Chess is believed to have originated from the Gupta Empire in India around 600 CE. While some argue that ancient Egyptians played a similar game, the chess we know today is distinct from their version. The exact origins of chess are not very clear, but then, many believe that it was developed in India. The game’s pieces, representing infantry, elephants, cavalry, and chariots, reflect the primary military elements of that era.
Over the centuries, chaturanga evolved and it also spread at the same time as it spread westward and made its way through Persia and the Arab world. By the time it reached Europe in the 9th or 10th century, chaturanga, the game had seen a change and transformed into what we now know and recognize as chess. A powerful queen was introduced and bishop too had a distinctive movement.
Chess is essentially a strategic board game that is purely bases on information and skills. This is played on an 8×8 grid, each player starts with sixteen pieces: one king, one queen, two rooks, two bishops, two knights, and eight pawns. Now, white makes the first move, followed by Black. The objective in this game is to checkmate the opponent’s king, making it impossible to escape capture. And, well, the game can end in a draw through various means.
Read More: Best Tricks to Win Chess Game
Why Chess is Famous?
Rich History & Accessibility
Chess has a fascinating history. It has its roots in ancient India and has been evolving over centuries. Now, there basic rules but they are easy to learn and hence, it is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Strategic Depth & Challenge
In Chess, all pieces are placed on a checkered board and it offers engagement to players as they strive to improve their skills and outsmart their opponents.
Mental Benefits
Another reason why Chess has become famous is that it plates a big role in enhancing memory, focus, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking. Hence, it is beneficial for cognitive health.
Global Appeal & Competition
The game of chess has been able to transcend language and cultural barriers. Competitive chess also offers a platform for players to test their skills against other real players.
Growth of Chess Online
With the increasing trend of mobile gaming, you can now play chess online with your friends and other players on India’s largest online gaming platform known as WinZo games. WinZo’s online gaming platform offers an exciting online chess game that is simple, interesting, and can be played by anyone, regardless of age. All the techniques and rules of the game are kept the same as in the physical board game, with an exciting option of “cash battle” that offers players exciting experiences together with their friends or opponents while earning cash or other exciting prizes.
Best History Making Matches of Chess
Here are five history making making matches of chess – these timeless classics in the history of chess and are essential viewing for aspiring players as well as enthusiasts. Detailed move-by-move analyses and videos of all these matches can be seen and studied online and they also serve as valuable resources for improving one’s game or admiring the brilliance of these players.
- Bobby Fischer (W) v Boris Spassky, Reykjavik, 1972
- Anatoly Karpov v Garry Kasparov (W), Moscow, 1985
- Deep Blue (W) v Garry Kasparov, New York, 1997
- Garry Kasparov (W) v Veselin Topalov, Wijk aan Zee (Netherlands), 1999
- Viswanathan Anand v Magnus Carlsen (W), Chennai, 2013
What is Modern Chess?
Modern chess is a variant that is played on a 9×9 board. This format was first introduced by Gabriel Vicente Maura in 1968. In addition to the standard chess pieces, in this variant, each player also has a prime minister as well as an extra pawn. The prime minister combines the powers of a bishop and a knight. The first match in ‘modern chess’ took place in Madrid at Escuela de Bellas Artes de San Fernando’s cafe back in 1968. It was played between Gabriel Vicente Maura (playing as White) and Bonifacio Pedraz Cabezas (playing as Black).
While, the standard chess rules remain the same, there are some special rules added. Here, players can castle ministerside (notated as “0-M-0”) or queenside (notated as “0-Q-0”), with the king moving two squares toward the castling rook. Also, pawns can be promote to the usual pieces or to a prime minister when they get to the final rank.
Where Did Chess Come From?
Since there are no specific answers to this question, we can only rely on different theories that float around.
Theory 1: Chess Originated from India
- Chess is believed to have originated in India around the 6th century AD during the Gupta Empire.
- The precursor to modern chess, called “Chaturanga,” was a four-player war game with similarities to modern chess.
- Chaturanga spread to Persia, where it evolved into “Shatranj,” and Buddhist pilgrims carried versions of the game to East Asia.
- The game eventually reached Japan and Korea, where it evolved into Chinese Chess with a different board setup and rules.
- Chaturanga transformed into Shatranj, a two-player game popular in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.
Theory 2: Chess Originated from Persia
- The modern version of chess originated in Persia around 600 AD and spread to Europe, where it underwent further modifications.
- Chess was associated with nobility, wealth, knowledge, and power in Persian culture.
- The Persian word “ShahMat,” meaning “King is Defeated,” is the origin of the term “CheckMate.”
- Islamic travelers brought chess to North Africa, Sicily, Spain, Russia, Iceland, and England.
- Chess sets from the 11th or 12th century have been found in Iceland and England.
Theory 3: Chess Originated from China
- Legend suggests that chess was invented around 200 BC by Hán Xin as a battle simulator, but it resurfaced in China in the 7th century.
- The popular game in China, called “XiangQi” or “Elephant Game,” was different from modern chess.
- Chess reached Japan and Korea from China by the 11th century, where it evolved into Chinese Chess.
- Chess evolved from influences of various civilizations over the last 1500 years, with no single region or group of people credited as its inventor.
Frequently Asked Questions Who Invented Chess
Q) When was chess invented?
A) Chess is believed to have evolved from its early form, chaturanga, in India around the 6th century AD.
Q) Who invented chess?
The exact inventor of chess is uncertain, but early Indian scholars are credited with its development.
Q) Where did chess come from?
Chess’s origins are subject to various theories. One theory suggests it originated in India.
