A staple in any board game collection, chess is known by many but played by few. The competitive sphere for it is impressively large. That alone can make the game seem daunting to newcomers, but it may be worth a shot. Its rules aren’t hard to learn but its strategies are endless. Sit down, and play a while.
“The Queen’s Gambit” took the world by storm three years ago, so much so that sales of chess sets went up by 87%. However, as with most trends, people eventually dropped off the chess bandwagon when something new came along; now, their chess sets sit forgotten on a dusty shelf accumulating dust.
Chess, a nearly 2,000-year-old game, is once again rising in popularity. Considering jumping on this recycled bandwagon? “Rook” no further — we will explain this game through and through to all the rookies. In no time, you will be making your move and declaring “check mate.”
Once a “pawn” a time, in the sixth century, a game named chaturanga arose during the Gupta Dynasty in India. Chaturanga was the Ancient Indian foundation of the chess we know today. This ancient Indian game was fundamentally similar to modern chess with players aiming to capture the king to attain victory. However, some of the chaturanga pieces were slightly different as they reflected the military structure of ancient India, including pieces such as a general along with elephants and an infantry. Rather than bishops or a rook and queen, the game also featured chariots and a calvary.
The introduction of the modern chess game to Europe by way of Persia is what gave rise to the complex and admired version that we think of today. In this time, there were a few rule changes, such as the pieces being changed to reflect European medieval monarchy structures and the movement of the pawn two spaces instead of one.
The basic goal of chess is a simple one: capture your opponent’s king. What seems like such a simple task takes a lot of expertise; some players take years to perfect their craft. With practice and dedication, however, comes players like Bobby Fisher, who was the top-ranked American chess player during the Cold War and won against the USSR’s best in the 1972 Chess World Championship. Fisher’s victory served as a confrontation which ended the Soviet reign of the sport until Garry Kasparov claimed the title of highest chess ranking in 1985. Kasparov held this title until 2013, when he was surpassed by Norwegian chess player Magnus Carlsen, who is said to be a force to be reckoned with within the chess community. Carlsen, who was named a chess grandmaster at 13 years old, is now 32 and has the highest recorded chess ranking in the world of 2,882.
Joshua Méndez, a junior majoring in ecosystem science and policy, began playing chess in 2018 and never went back. Today, he serves as president of the University of Miami Chess Club.
“Bobby Fischer [is the most influential chess player.] During the Cold War he was treated not just as a chess player, but an American hero,” said Mendez when asked about Fischer’s impact on the sport.
The power of social media has spiked the popularity of chess amongst the general public. This bodes the question — why now? The accessibility of chess has been at right at our fingertips for hundreds of years.
“I started playing chess because I thought it was a good way to stay sharp,” said Méndez. “I also felt the abundant resources online to learn it gave me a shot at getting competitive.”
Apps and websites such as chess.com allow for people to play online, whether with their computers or on-the-go. The website, which has a mobile version as well, teaches users how to play chess, allowing even beginners to start from scratch and work their way to skillful. From tutorials on different maneuvers to tips on how to gain the most advantage wherever you are in the game, it covers all the basics.
Chess’ rise to popularity is especially prevalent amongst men. Alon Labock, a freshman majoring in interactive media, says he thinks that the growth in popularity amongst males has heightened the competitive nature of the game.
“For males, I think playing chess is appealing because of the strategic component to it and the competitiveness, that is the biggest reason why I enjoy chess,” said Labock.
Researchers have found that that playing chess aids in cognitive development. By playing chess — and winning — players can have bragging rights. A 2012 study from the National Institute of Health found that consistent chess playing improved players’ problem-solving skills in addition to their cognitive abilities.
Dr. Melvin L. Butler, a professor for UM’s Frost School of Music teaches in the Frost School of is the faculty advisor for the chess club. Butler said he has been playing chess since he was ten years old, sticking with it because it allowed him to simultaneously compete and use his intellect.
“Since I moved on campus in 2018 and started playing chess with students in the lobby of Stanford Residential College, they have definitely become more engaged with me and with each other,” said Butler. “Chess seems to have a way of prompting even some of the most introverted students to strike up conversations, and I have noticed that this helps them to form new friendships and to gain new levels of comfort in their interactions with me as a faculty member.”
Whether you are a “rook-ie” or a seasoned player, chess brings people the opportunity to connect while expanding their mental strength. Next time you’re itching for a game break, ditch the game 2048 and hit the board instead.
Steal Some Strategies
Just in case you want to get a little more advanced, here are some chess strategies and openings to try out on your next opponent. The horizontal portion of the board is lettered a–h (right to left), and the vertical portion is numbered from 1–8 (bottom to top).
French Defense
- e4 e6 (pawns)
- d4 d5 (pawns)
- c3 f6 (knights)
- g5 (bishop)
King’s Gambit
- e4 e5 (pawns)
- f4 (pawn) c5 (bishop)
Queen’s Gambit
- d4 d5 (pawns)
- c4 dxc4 (pawns)
- f3 f6 (bishop)
- e3 e6 (pawns)
- bxc4 (bishop) c5 (pawn)
Catalan Opening
- d4 (pawn) f6 (knight)
- c4 e6 (pawns)
- g3 (pawn)
Pro tip: always “activate” your king. Even though you want to protect this piece, it’s essential to play it safely.
words_victoria fondeur. photo_valeria barbaglio. design_marita gavioti.
This article was published in Distraction’s Winter 2023 print issue.
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