Exploring the Roots of the Modern Game of Chess

An enchanting but complex board game, chess is known to many historians to originate in the ancient civilizations in India. Even if many players today are not familiar with the inventor or developer of the game, it does not hinder their interest to continue revealing the truths that cover its history. The second phase of the game's history is intriguing because this is where several events like the development of the official rules of chess happened.

The modern game of chess, also known to some players as the second era of the game's history, started in 1450 and lasted in 1850. The explosion of chess in other nations specifically in European countries is a major event in this stage. Modifications in the rules of chess also happened during this era. In addition, the publication of early chess books is a highlight of this phase.

As soon as shatranj, a game wherein chess is patterned, was brought in Russia and Europe in the 9th century, many noble people have been attracted to it. Its popularization is drastic that in the 1200s, people in the southern region of Europe decided to modify the game's rules. The alterations in shatranj continue until in 1475, the rules made the game more similar to chess.

The modernization of the rules led to the inception of chess in Spain and Italy. The alterations in the game's rules allow pawns to move two squares forward for their first moves. The modifications also made the queen as the powerful peg in chess. The only rule that is not applicable during this time is the occurrence of stalemate.

The changes in the rules get the attention of French players which helped them learn the value or significance of pawns to win. It was also in this era wherein Spanish noble man Luis Ramirez de Lucena published his chess book entitled "Repeticion de Amores y Arte de Ajedrez." Up to the present time, this book is considered as the oldest chess book that has been stored.

In the latter part of the second phase of chess' history, chess associations and clubs mushroomed in European nations. Early chess tournaments are also held in the 19th century in coffee houses. Many great players already made a good reputation in chess during this era including Francois-Andre Danican Philidor and Louis-Charles Mahe de La Bourdonnais.

These events are just few of the highlights in the history of chess. Players will be more attracted to the game if they had the chance to know the other eras that contributed to its prominence. Many important events happened after 1850 like the recognition of chess as a sport as well as the creation of worldwide chess tournaments. Thus, they are encouraged to explore all the eras in chess history to enhance their interest in the game.