History and
Object of The Game
The origins of
Chess span roughly over a period of 1500 years, having gotten its start
in India. It came into existence primarily as a representation of the
Medieval times regarding battles and wars of a military style. You will
notice this in the design of the pieces. While it started in India, the
passing of time ultimately saw the game move from India to Persia, East
Asia, and ultimately various countries of southern Europe. Throughout
all this passing of the game, numerous versions (and name
pronounciation to accomodate countries) were ultimately introduced.
These versions and names all culminated into the first World Chess Championship held in 1886 and further developments into the game we have today. Currently, the game is comprised of six different pieces (King, Queen, Bishop, Knight, Rook, and Pawn) specfically placed on an 8x8 black and white board. Traditionally, the pieces will be in black and white with white always moving first. However, as the development of the game continued, different colors were introduced that still maintained two armies with one being of a darker shade and the other of a lighter shade. Today's game has expanded far enough that it can also be played on-line and does not require the purchase of an actual Chess set.
The ultimate goal of the game is to put your opponent's King into "checkmate." You and your opponent alternate moves, and the one to strategically place enough pieces in position to capture the King WHEREVER HE MOVES wins and speaks the word checkmate. Please note the difference between check and checkmate. The King must be given a warning of capture by indicating to your opponent that the King is in check and must seek safety. It is illegal for the player whose King is in check to contemplate any other moves before moving their King to safety or to move their King into a check position. Checkmate means regardless of where he moves, he will be in danger.
These versions and names all culminated into the first World Chess Championship held in 1886 and further developments into the game we have today. Currently, the game is comprised of six different pieces (King, Queen, Bishop, Knight, Rook, and Pawn) specfically placed on an 8x8 black and white board. Traditionally, the pieces will be in black and white with white always moving first. However, as the development of the game continued, different colors were introduced that still maintained two armies with one being of a darker shade and the other of a lighter shade. Today's game has expanded far enough that it can also be played on-line and does not require the purchase of an actual Chess set.
The ultimate goal of the game is to put your opponent's King into "checkmate." You and your opponent alternate moves, and the one to strategically place enough pieces in position to capture the King WHEREVER HE MOVES wins and speaks the word checkmate. Please note the difference between check and checkmate. The King must be given a warning of capture by indicating to your opponent that the King is in check and must seek safety. It is illegal for the player whose King is in check to contemplate any other moves before moving their King to safety or to move their King into a check position. Checkmate means regardless of where he moves, he will be in danger.
|
Checkmate
|
Non Traditional Chess Set |
Standard Chess Set |
Ancient Chess Set |
Note
the difference between piece design and colors with the standard chess
set and the non-traditional marble one. As well, make note of the
manner in which the King is currently placed in checkmate by the Rooks
of the opposing Army. You will discover more about how they are doing
this on the Piece Identification/Description Page.