Monday 24 June 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.

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 roles played by the king and checkmate have their origin in the Persian army. The queen and bishop were weaker and gained strength later in the 1500s. Some nations that have led to advancement of the game include Spain, France, Portugal and Italy. The stalemate situation was discussed and refined around the 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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