Car Games: Chess
Unlike many other games, playing chess does not involve an element of chance: The winner is whoever has the best strategy to outplay their opponent. It’s a game that requires a lot of thinking, and yet, while chess demands more of the player than many other games, playing chess is a popular pastime around the world. Millions of people play chess, from those who enjoy casual play in their home, online, or with a local chess club to those who play competitively in major tournaments. And since people of any age can compete for rankings and championships, even at the national or international level, the game of chess attracts players ranging from young children to seniors.
History of Chess
- The Origin of Chess and the Silk Road: The Silk Road Foundation discusses some of the theories behind the origins of chess and its moves.
- Important Events and Names in Chess: Chess dates back to as early as 100 A.D., and players such as Bobby Fischer and Gary Kasparov have become household names due to their skill at the game.
- History of Chess: A closer examination of the game of chess and its implements invites comparisons to medieval history.
- History of Chess Pieces and Chess Sets: Some of the earliest chess pieces came from south Asia, and the names they used for some of the pieces have endured to this day.
- Origins of Chess: One ancestor of chess was an Indian game called “four divisions.”
- The Story of Chess: Over time, the game of chess has evolved to become a faster-paced and more popular diversion.
- Chess During World War II: The World Chess Hall of Fame looks at how chess was used as a diversion for prisoners of war.
- Origins and Myth of Chess: This brief article talks about myths surrounding the origins of the game of chess.
- History of British Chess: Howard Staunton, a major figure in the British chess world, organized the first international tournament and helped to develop the first standardized chess rulebook.
Chess Rules
- Rules of Chess: Chess.org provides an in-depth explanation of the rules of the game.
- Tournament Chess Rules: In tournament play, the procedures and etiquette can be different from what’s found in a casual game at home.
- Crazyhouse Rules: To make chess even more challenging, variations of chess play have been created. These rules explain how to play the Crazyhouse variant.
- Sportsmanship and Etiquette: The Illinois Chess Association explains their rules for sportsmanship and etiquette for tournaments.
- Code of Ethics: The World Chess Federation enforces a code of ethics to ensure a civil and enjoyable tournament experience.
Strategy and Tactics
- Removing the Guard Tactic: A key piece of chess strategy involves removing a piece that is guarding another piece.
- Middle Game Strategy: The middle of the game is the longest and most challenging part, as this is where players must build on their opening and guide the game toward a successful conclusion.
- Middle-Game Advice: The Exeter Chess Club offers advice on strategy for the middle of the game.
- Endgame Strategy: Clinch the victory with a good endgame strategy.
- Chess Endgame Tutor: Researchers studied how human players finish a game of chess in order to build a computerized chess tutor.
- Endgame Strategy Advice: Find tips here on how to seize victory.
- Middle Game Principles: For many, the middle of the game is the most difficult part.
- Mark Dvoretsky Engame Discussion: Watch this video to learn tips about endgame strategy.
Competitive Play
- Past World Champions: On the page is information about all of the known world champions of the game.
- Championships for the Disabled: Those who have various types of disabilities are not excluded from enjoying chess.
- Chess Grandmaster: This article discusses the title of Grandmaster and how to become one.
- Chess Titles: Learn about the requirements to earn different chess titles on this page.
- Bobby Fischer: Fischer was one of the most famous chess players in America, and this site talks about his life.
- Mark Dvoretsky: This article focuses on the last interview given by one of the most famous chess players in the world.
Chess, Mathematics, and Psychology
- Mathematics in Chess: An examination of the math underlying the knight’s ability to move reveals why this piece is often the focus of puzzles.
- Connections Between Mathematics and Chess: Chess is a strategic game, but it’s also a very numerical one, as it’s played out on an eight-by-eight grid with pieces that can move in specific directions and over specific numbers of spaces.
- Effects Chess Has on Cognitive Skills: Research into the effects of chess instruction on academic performance has found some benefits.
- Chess Skill Linked With Visuospatial and Verbal Intelligence: Does intelligence determine how good you are at chess? For some skills, practice may only get you so far.
- Computer Chess History: A mathematical game like chess is well-suited to computerized adaptations.
- Chess and a Child’s Development: This article discusses how chess can help a child learn a variety of skills useful in school and beyond.
Chess Magazines, Publications and Books
- American Chess Magazine: American Chess Magazine features the work of writers who are grandmasters.
- Chess: This chess magazine is the most popular one in the U.K.
- Jeremy Silman: Recommended Reading: Jeremy Silman is an international master chess player, and this page contains his reviews of books about the game.
- Artur Yusopov Training Series: Here, you can find Artur Yuspov’s award-winning training book series.
- Modern Chess Magazine: This magazine has articles from some of the top grandmasters out there.
- British Chess Magazine: Billed as the world’s oldest chess journal, this magazine is still popular among British players today.
Chess Organizations and Federations
- U.S. Chess Foundation: The U.S. Chess Foundation is the governing body for chess in the United States.
- Europe Chess Union: European chess championships are overseen by this group.
- Oklahoma Chess Foundation: Many states have their own groups that manage local tournaments, such as this one in Oklahoma.
- World Chess Organizations: Just about anywhere you go in the world, there’s a group setting up tournaments and keeping track of rankings for chess players.
Chess for Kids and Beginners
- Introduction to Chess Kids: Watch this video for a short explanation of the game of chess.
- How to Play Chess: This site offers instruction on how to play chess and how each piece moves on the chessboard.
- Teaching Chess With Mini-Games: Try out these mini-games with kids to help them learn about chess, which can also help them in other subjects.
- Learning the Best First Moves to Make: A quick explainer covers the rules of a good chess opening.
- Chess Openings: This article discusses common openings in chess.
- Tips for Beginners: Get some helpful advice to level up your gameplay.