ONE of the most captivating of all board games, chess is something for which you surely need brains to be a champion. If one really gets the hang of it, the game can become highly addictive, even for those who are at the losing end. This mind-boggling game was invented in India, centuries ago and over the years evolved in Asia.
Historians are not certain whether it actually originated in India or China. However, there are certain historical evidences that prove its existence in India in AD6, and some even before that. It was suppose to be the game of kings and their advisors, to have a better knowledge of war strategies as each of its pieces represents symbolically a political figure. Primarily called Chaturanga (a term used in Mahabharata for war) it was later christened as shatranj when adopted by the Persians. It was from Persia that it was dispersed to Spain and then to the rest of Europe.
With such a global appeal, how was it possible that the wide world of the Internet could neglect a game that holds attention of billions of people around the world? No way! There are more than 300 web sites that are dedicated to this very sport. Even the most famous messengers meant for chatting, have it in their game options to be played online. But let’s have a look at the web sites that will cater to your taste for the game.
Being modest in our approach, we start with the web sites that have sound teaching programmes on them, like www.chessclub.com. This site is what you will find most suitable, for both neophytes and experienced players. There are lots of things about the web site that will glue you to it, such as the animated games that will demonstrate the famous matches played by the greatest of the game, along with the commentary, which, of course is if you opt for it or not. The commentary could teach a lot about the different famous moves and what is the best move and strategy to be adopted in a particular situation. A general word of caution though; there is written in bold letters ICC on the home page of the web site. Don’t confuse yourself by thinking that it has something to do with cricket, the abbreviation stands for Internet Chess Club.
Among other interesting things the site also facilitates you in listening to live radio that undoubtedly, broadcasts chess news and information. A downloadable version of chess’ Java game is what you might try your hands on, as it is absolutely free. The site offers seven days free membership, which you can prove of a little help as you can benefit from it various packages that only members can, though for a week’s time only. Chaturangam, no the subject has not shifted to the history again, it is the name of a web site. The web site www.chatrungam.com as its name suggests is Indian I origin and therefore you can peek in what is happening just across the border in the chess world. Like the ICC you will find an interesting way to develop your chess skills. In the Problem Corner you will find solutions to your chess queries and they are worth giving a try. The web site also updates you about the upcoming chess tournaments both being held in India and across the globe.
Here like the previous web sites you can have a look at the matches played by some of the classy players. But what makes it more convenient is the fact that the speed of the game is under your control. So, to have a better understanding of the game you can spend as much time that you need to study each move by the players. The site offers 13 lessons for amateurs that are not only easy to understand but if you implement them you would surely give a tough time to even some of the experienced players. The best thing about the quiz on the site is that you won’t loose your night’s sleep figuring out its answers, as it’s just a click away.
Unlike the above mentioned web sites www.chessbase.com is a web site that is made not only to entertain its navigators but also to provide the latest news and all the information regarding history of the game as well as that of the famous players. Puzzles and quiz on the site are quite intriguing while the tactics section would sharpen your knowledge of the game. The downloadable version of the game is also found here but with a choice that allows you to any one of the bunch of famous international games that they have on offer there. As with most of the other web sites, you can chat and play chess online here.
If web sites described above sound boring, then you can try a web site that is www. choruschess.com. This site has been created for those who are interested in the minute details of a particular match, like the weather and the atmosphere, peculiar isn’t it? You will also find other things like interactive games, chatting, history of the game and tips on this web site, But a description of a match in a story-telling manner is what you will find no where else.
Are novel web sites what you carve for then there is one more web site that is a bit distinct from the others and that one is www.chesscornr.com. Out of the so many web sites it is the only one so far that has animated pages and is very colourful too. Tutorial games and interactive e-books are the best feature of the site. There is also a wide range of chess e-cards that you can choose from and send to your friends, family or whoever you wish to. If you want to know famous proverbs and saying about chess, then you will find it on this web site. If for some chance interactive ebooks are not your cup of tea then perhaps you might have a liking for hardbound or paperback books that deal with this majestic game on the web site www.chesscafe.com. Besides books there is a Q&A section that answers queries of people around the world who have a keen interest in chess.
Chess is one of the most ancient yet most strategic games, and one feels sorry to see so many web sites that features the sport but not one is by a Pakistani. There is no doubt that we might have some very dextrous players, but why is this game not given the due respect is what one wonders!
ONE of the most captivating of all board games, chess is something for which you surely need brains to be a champion. If one really gets the hang of it, the game can become highly addictive, even for those who are at the losing end. This mind-boggling game was invented in India, centuries ago and over the years evolved in Asia.
