Pre-Modern Chess in Relation to Culture

In studying the history of chess, researchers must not only focus on the impact or influence of geography and culture on the game. Other elements are also important to assess how they affect the development, evolution and popularization of the game. Culture is an essential aspect that researchers should always consider when they want to explore the game's history.

Even in ancient civilizations, culture is present. Culture refers to the way of living of a group of people sharing the same goal and location. Given this definition, we cannot eliminate the fact that culture is a great factor that influences the development of chess. By examining the culture in early civilizations, we can uncover the secrets behind pre-modern game of chess.

Known as the King's Game in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the game is only associated or played by people belonging in the upper class. Noble class used this game to instruct their children about the nature of war and effective military tactics. Chess sets that are made from high quality materials are recovered by archaeologists to prove that the game is commonly played by aristocrats in these times.

Religious leaders used chess as an analogy when they give teachings that focused on morality. The different pieces in the game are used by the leaders to symbolize the various classes of people in society. Chess rules are also applied by religious leaders to demonstrate the social duties of political and military authorities.

A great number of books about the game are published during this time. "The Game and Playe of the Chesse," written by player William Caxton and published in 1474 is one of the many writings that are used by elites to learn the strategies in chess. The game penetrated the popular culture in the Middle Ages when students, merchants and clerics learned how to play chess.

The changes in society and evolution of human culture will have an effect on how people view the board game. Through time, we can see that the exclusivity of chess to aristocrats has ended. The time when ordinary people are given the chance to play chess is the time when the game instantly gained popularity in different countries.

Culture affects not just the pre-modern game of chess. Players should extend their knowledge regarding how culture affects the game of chess in modern times. By learning the importance of culture to chess, players will have a deeper understanding and appreciation to the game.