Why play chess?
Chess can be described as a science, an art & a sport. It is completely free of the element of luck. The result of each game depends entirely upon the skill of the players. Kids who play chess soon learn that they cannot blame failure on anyone else. Results are completely due to their own abilities & efforts. They must take responsibility for their own actions. Victory is earned and can be savoured as a personal accomplishment.
Taking part in chess develops critical thinking; logic, reasoning & problem solving abilities; memory, concentration & visualization skills; confidence; patience; determination; poise; self-expression; & good sportsmanship. Perhaps more importantly, kids who participate in chess improve their self-esteem.
Everyone associates a good chess player with a good mind. Children who play a good game of chess have proof of their mental abilities. No one can take that away! When you succeed in intellectual competition, defeating an opponent, you begin to believe in yourself!
Introduction
The world's first chess variant Chaturanga arose in India in approximately the seventh century AD. From there it migrated both westward & northward, mutating along the way. The western branch became Shatranj in Arabia & Orthodox Chess in Europe. The northern branch became Xiangqi in China & Changgi in Korea. In the 10th century, 'chess' came to Japan. There were many variations of chess. One of these was called 'Small Shogi'. Shogi in its present form was played in Japan as early as the 16th century.
(sho) (-gi) Sho means general & Gi means board game. Shogi means General's Game.
Perhaps the enduring popularity of Shogi can be attributed to its 'drop rule'. It was the first chess variant wherein captured pieces could be returned to the board to be used as one's own. Some say this reflects the practice of 16th century samurai mercenaries who switched loyalties when captured to avoid being executed.
Originally in Chaturanga,
The queen - counsellor
The bishop - elephant
The rook - chariot
The knight - horse
1500's- En passant (special pawn move) & Castling (king & rook move) introduced. Castling was 2 moves. Changed to 1 move in 1561.
1886 - First World Chess Champion - Steinitz
