The Regime of the Modern Game of Chess in Europe

A board game that tests the ability of players to apply defensive and offensive military strategies, chess is present since the 6th century. Even if this game is derived from several board and mind games it still manages to create an identity of its own. Chess can be played as a recreational activity or as a form of gambling. It is up to the players to decide whether they will make a living out of the game or they will play it for fun.

The history of chess speaks how the game captured the hearts of people of different races. The adoption of the game in various civilizations in early times shows how it gained popularity today. Europe is one of the continents where the game is brought before the 12th century. The alterations in chess rules and development of different tactics are some of the manifestations that Europe has influenced the way people play the game.

It was in 1834 when chess tournaments arise in the region. Controversies ascend from complaints raised in the 1851 London Chess tournament concerning the length of time players allot to every move that they make. To settle the issues, different variants of chess games were developed by European gaming authorities. Some chess games only allow players to play a single game for five minutes and there are chess games that limit the playing time of a player for two hours.

Sandglasses are first used at the chess games in Bristol, England, in 1861. Sandglasses indicated the length of time a single game has to be played. The devices were later on superseded by pendulums. Modernized versions of clocks are then used to avoid time extensions in chess tournaments in the 19th century.

In 1958, a very effective strategy was developed by great chess player Vladimir Korolokov. If players will apply the technique, it will allow the White side to win with just six successive moves of a pawn. The strategy is widely elaborated and discussed in one of his writings, "Excelsior."

Max Euwe, Vasily Smyslov, Jan Timman and Mikahil Botvinnik are few of great players in Europe that became popular because of their expertise in analyzing strong position in chess. Maintaining dominant position in this board game is a highlight in the history of chess in Europe.

Most of the improvements in chess that we are familiar to at the present are contributed by great people in the continent. Without their interest and attraction to the game, chess will not be as exciting and enjoyable as it is today.