Unveiling the Events that Affected the Evolution of Chess After the World War II

A mind game that requires strategies and skills, chess is known to mankind as early as the 6th century. Its creation is based on several games including chaturanga and shatranj. The game's evolution is observed through time until it was greatly affected by the birth of the World War II. The historical event hindered further development in the field of chess.

Great names started to blossom in the latter part of the 1800s up to the early part of 1900s. Worldwide chess tournaments also evolved at the mentioned era. Even if the game's explosion is affected by the birth of the World War II, the development of chess continues when the war ended.

The evolution of chess tournaments and the birth of other great personalities are the highlights of this phase. World championship games are patronized by many chess players. An increase in the number of players participating in the tournaments was observed after the World War II.

Russian player Mikhail Botvinnik is the first declared World champion in this era. He won the title in 1948. At the early years of this stage, many Russian players became well-known in the tournaments. The only non-Russian player who succeeded and became a world chess master in 1972 is American player Bobby Fischer who was able to maintain the title until 1975.

Fischer does not agree with the policies in the World Chess Federation. He decided not to play against Anatoly Karpov because of his opposition to the organization's rules. Karpov got the title by default. Ten years passed and never a single player has beaten Karpov until he lost in a championship match with Russian player Garry Kasparov. He defended the title from 1984 to 1990.

Karpov together with another well-known chess player Nigel Short decided to make another world championship tournament and organization now called as the Professional Chess Association. The association was established in 1993 and up to 2007, many great names were born in the tournaments which are hosted by the group.

Having a broad background on the four phases or eras in the history of chess is important to every chess player. From the development of game up to the organization of major chess league, these are all part of the essential events that made the game's history intriguing. The accomplishments of the great people in the world of chess will inspire them to strive hard. The stories behind their successes are also significant to help new players believe that building a great name is not hard if they are only determined and persistent with their goals.