International Chess Day

20^th July is celebrated as the International Chess Day across the world. It marks the date of establishment of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) which was founded on 20^th July 1924.

Chess was originated in India, back in the 6^th century when it was commonly known as ‘Chaturanga’. The sport is one of the oldest board games. It is a very interesting game where moves hardly ever repeat itself; in fact the number of possible unique chess games is greater than the number of electrons in the universe. It is also a great recreational activity which enhances focus, memory and intelligence along with many other benefits. 

Chess is a game which can be played by all age groups; competitively also. There are three formats namely Classical, Rapid and Blitz. The classical matches are games with long time formats, Rapid matches are played generally with 30 minutes on the clock while Blitz are the short time format games generally up to 5 minutes. With people’s perception of exciting chess rapid and blitz chess are favored. More so during the pandemic where chess has gained more recognition through online type of Tournaments and Chess Streamers who attract the youth, to the game. 

Sexism has been rampant in the chess community. Former world champion Garry Kasparov has stated, "There is real chess and women’s chess." He later recanted this message after Grandmaster Judit Polgar beat him in 2002. Kasparov isn’t the only one making such statements. 

Though the game originates from India it seems to be underrated in the country. The country has amazing chess players. Vishwanathan Anand being one of the household names, the five time world champion is one of the best players in the world. Koneru Humpy, the youngest woman to achieve the Grandmaster title is also a big inspiration. The youngsters Praggnanandhaa, Nihal, Arjun,Vaishali and Gukesh are also making the country proud. This year India bagged its first ever gold medal in the Olympiad and it was the first time ever that two countries (India and Russia) shared gold in the Olympiads which were conducted online. Now that the lockdown seems to be lifting this year, we will be seeing many over the board tournaments including the world cup and the candidates.

Is chess dying with the advancements of the computer/engine? The more the world is advancing, so is the technology. One such example are chess engines. They can identify the best possible moves in any position. Though the anti cheating measures are strict people find a way to cheat, especially in the online tournaments. That is disrespect to the sport and the players. Though the chess computers are great that doesn’t mean the game is solved.

Fun fact: If both the players make the best possible moves throughout the game it will result in a draw!

“The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement. Several very valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life, are to be acquired or strengthened by it. Life is a kind of Chess, in which we have often points to gain, and competitors or adversaries to contend with.” – Benjamin Franklin

Charuta Kamalapur