A Brief History of the Game of Chess

Summary

This video explores the rich history of chess, tracing its origins from 6th century India with the game of chaturanga to its global popularity today. It delves into the cultural influences that shaped the game, including its spread to Persia, the Muslim world, and Europe, where it evolved with each region's unique contributions. The video also touches on the game's controversial past, its connection to courtly love, and the significant rule changes that have occurred over time, culminating in the modern game recognized by the World Chess Federation.

Takeaways

• 😲 The global video gaming industry generated $120 billion in 2018, while the board gaming industry was valued at $7.5 billion.
• 🏰 Chess, a game with a history spanning over a millennium, is estimated to have a market value of around $190 million and is still played by 605 million people worldwide.
• 🤔 The origins of chess are uncertain, with one theory suggesting it was invented by a Chinese commander named Hong Chin during the Warring States period, while another theory places its origins in India.
• 🇮🇳 The game of chess likely originated in 6th century India as a game called chaturanga, which means 'the four parts', representing the four types of units in an ancient Indian army.
• 📚 Harold J. Murray's 'A History of Chess' is considered the definitive history of the game, tracing its development from India to Persia and beyond.
• 🌏 Chess spread to Persia, where it was known as chatrance, and then to the Muslim world, where it became highly popular and influenced by Islamic culture and prohibitions.
• 🔄 The game underwent significant changes as it traveled through different cultures, with pieces and rules evolving to reflect local customs and beliefs.
• 👑 In Europe, the chess piece that would become the queen underwent the most significant transformation, evolving from a limited advisor to the powerful piece it is today.
• 📖 The invention of the printing press greatly facilitated the spread of chess knowledge, with rule books and strategy guides becoming widely available.
• 🏆 The first official world chess championship was held in 1886, and the World Chess Federation was formed in 1924 to regulate the game and organize tournaments.

Q & A

What was the worldwide video gaming industry's revenue in 2018 according to Business Insider?

The worldwide video gaming industry earned 120 billion dollars in revenue in 2018.

What is the estimated value of the worldwide board gaming industry?

The worldwide board gaming industry is valued at seven and a half billion dollars.

How many people were found to play chess regularly in a 2012 survey?

A 2012 survey found that about 605 million people in the world still play chess on a regular basis.

What is one of the earliest known forms of a game similar to chess, and when was it played?

One of the earliest known forms of a game similar to chess is 'chaturanga', which was played in 6th century India.

What does the name 'chaturanga' translate to and what does it refer to?

The name 'chaturanga' translates to 'the four parts' and refers to the four types of units in an ancient Indian army: footmen, elephants, chariots, and cavalry.

How did the game of chess travel from India to Persia?

The game of chess traveled from India to Persia, where it developed into the game 'chatrance', with the Persians introducing the rules of 'shah' and 'shamath', which became 'check' and 'checkmate' in modern chess.

Why did Muslim chess sets use abstract shapes instead of detailed images?

Muslim chess sets used abstract shapes instead of detailed images due to a particular verse of the Quran which was interpreted to mean any true-to-life image, including of soldiers and animals.

What significant change did the game of chess undergo in Europe around the 10th century?

In Europe around the 10th century, chess saw the introduction of the checkered board with alternating light and dark squares, and the pieces began to take on more representative forms influenced by culture and religion.

What major change occurred to the queen piece in Europe around 1300?

Around 1300, the queen piece in Europe changed to be able to move two spaces diagonally on its first move and to jump over other pieces, eventually gaining its modern moveset.

When was the first official world chess championship played?

The first official world chess championship was played in 1886.

How has the development of chess been influenced by the cultures and times through which it has traveled?

The development of chess has been influenced by the cultures and times through which it has traveled, as seen in the changes to the game's rules, the design of the pieces, and the introduction of new gameplay elements, reflecting the values and beliefs of the societies it reached.