Interestingly, the history of chess can be traced back to our own part of the world. It is believed to have started around 600AD, in the Gupta Empire, as a game played by royalty, with elephants and soldiers representing the pieces. The first version of the game was called ‘chaturanga’ and was played on a board made of squares that also featured different types of pieces, each with their own distinct properties.

Later it moved to Persia where its name changed into ‘shatranj’. And as it spread to other parts of the world and became popular, the rules evolved, the pieces changed shapes and names, and by the 11th century it was digging its roots in Europe. In both places, it was played in medieval courts and then it slowly moved out to reach the common man in cafes and homes.

Around the 18th century, western Europe became the centre of the chess world and matches were played in cities such as Paris and London. The game was now a global trend.

The first chess tournament was held in London (1851) whereas the term ‘Grandmaster’ was immortalised by Czar Nicholas II of Russia (1914) and the title was informally given to five players. — NF

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 24th, 2016