Who Plays Chess

The game of chess has a long history that spans many cultures and continents throughout the world. While the precise origins of chess remain unknown, experts suggest that the modern game of chess was derived from an ancient game played in India nearly two thousand years ago.  The Chess Culture  Today, chess is reportedly the most popular game in the world. Many chess players comment, however, on the... Read more >

Chess Sets

To start playing chess, all you really need is a basic chess set, including a chessboard and the 32 necessary chess pieces. While chess sets can be as opulent and expensive as some fine jewelry, the best choice for beginners and/or children is likely a plastic chess set.   These inexpensive, unbreakable chess sets usually include the chessboard, complete with a padded felt bottom, and all of the chess... Read more >

Chess Software

The Internet and computer age have changed the way that people play chess. While centuries ago, chess players had to be face-to-face, today new generations of chess players can play people around the world in online chess communities. Similarly, modern chess players can also hone their chess skills by playing against the computer with special chess software.   Chess software and online game rooms are... Read more >

Rules of Chess

For a beginner, the structured complexity of chess can make learning even basic chess rules a bit overwhelming and frustrating. As with any intricate game or information, breaking down the rules of play and teaching beginners basic strategies is the best way to help new players digest information and retain it for skillful play.   In general, the best approach to start teaching chess is to strip the game... Read more >

History of Chess

While historians are uncertain exactly how and where chess originated, most agree that chess began somewhere in the India-Afghanistan region between 100 and 600 A.D. Artifacts and historical documents track the evolution of chess from the Far and Middle East (at least 1400 years ago) to places as diverse as Japan, China and Persia (now Iran).   While the knowledge and practice of chess may have spread... Read more >

Famous Chess Openings

The opening of a chess game is essential to developing pieces and gaining strategic positioning on the board. While the minimal aggression of chess openings can lead some players to discount their importance, practicing chess opening strategies can put you in command of the board during the middle and endgame.   Goals of Chess Openings A chess beginner must realize that, when players talk about opening... Read more >

Famous Chess Games

While chess has been played for centuries, some of games have become famous because of players' ingenuity, skills and groundbreaking strategies. Here is a closer look at some of the most famous chess games in history.   Paul Morphy versus Count of Isouard/The Duke of Brunswick While called by some the most famous chess match of all time, this chess game, also referred to as "A Night at the Opera" or the... Read more >

Famous Chess Players

Over the thousands of years that chess has been played, a few key players have emerged as the greatest chess players of all time. Each of these players has demonstrated mastery of the game by beating Grand Masters and other chess champions. While some are notable for ground-breaking games they have played, others are great for their skill, ingenuity and unshakable concentration.   Paul Morphy Paul Morphy... Read more >

Resources

Who Plays Chess Ask Metafilter (February 2007). How Can I Transform Chess from a Solitary into a Social Activity? Retrieved March 17, 2008, from the Ask Metafilter.com Web site.   Chess.com (May, 2007). Chess Rules and Basics. Retrieved March 17, 2008, from the Chess.com Web site.   Polgar, Susan (July, 2006). Chess Culture. Retrieved March 17, 2008, from the Susan Polgar Chess and Information... Read more >