CHESS

Etymology

The word 'chess' is believed to have originated from the Old French word 'esches', which means 'check' in English. The term 'checkmate' in chess also comes from the Persian phrase 'shah mat', which translates to 'the king is helpless' or 'the king is dead'.

Definition

Chess is a strategic board game played by two players on a checkered board. Each player controls sixteen pieces, including a king, with the objective of checkmating the opponent's king.

Historical Context

Chess has a rich history dating back over a thousand years, with origins in India and Persia. It evolved into its modern form in Europe during the 15th century, becoming a popular pastime among nobility and intellectuals.

Cultural Significance

Chess is often regarded as a symbol of intellect and strategy, with numerous international competitions and a dedicated following worldwide. It has inspired art, literature, and even computer programming, with chess-playing algorithms challenging human players.

Related Concepts

Chess is related to various strategic board games, such as checkers, shogi, and xiangqi. It shares similarities with games like Go and backgammon in terms of strategic depth and complexity.

See Also

• Checkmate
• Chessboard
• Chess Pieces