Chess originated in India around the 6th century as "Chaturanga," spreading to Persia and later to Europe. Modern Chess rules were established in 15th-century Spain. Today, Chess is played by over 600 million people worldwide and is recognized as a mind sport by the International Olympic Committee. The game has produced legendary champions like Garry Kasparov, Magnus Carlsen, and Bobby Fischer.
Chess is played on an 8x8 board with 64 alternating light and dark squares. Each player controls 16 pieces: King, Queen, 2 Rooks, 2 Bishops, 2 Knights, and 8 Pawns. White moves first, and players alternate turns. The objective is to checkmate the opponent's King - putting it under attack with no escape. Each piece has unique movement patterns that create endless strategic possibilities.
Master Chess with these key strategies: Control the center squares (d4, e4, d5, e5) to maximize piece mobility. Develop minor pieces (Knights and Bishops) early before moving the same piece twice. Castle early to protect your King. Avoid unnecessary pawn moves that create weaknesses. Think ahead and consider your opponent's responses before making each move.
Checkmate: King under attack with no escape - game over. Stalemate: No legal moves but not in check - draw. Castling: Special King-Rook move for King safety. En Passant: Special pawn capture after opponent's two-square advance. Promotion: Pawn reaching the last rank becomes Queen, Rook, Bishop, or Knight.
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Unlike Janggi (Korean Chess) with its palace restrictions or Shogi with captured piece reuse, Western Chess focuses on piece development and King safety. Compared to Go's territorial control, Chess emphasizes tactical combinations and sacrifices. Chess's 64-square board with 32 pieces creates an estimated 10^120 possible games, making each match unique.