Chess Overview

Chess is a strategic two-player board game, often called International or Western chess to distinguish it from similar games like xiangqi (Chinese chess) and shogi (Japanese chess). It’s an abstract game with no hidden information or luck involved. Played on a 64-square chessboard arranged in an 8×8 grid, each player—referred to as "White" and "Black"—commands 16 pieces: one king, one queen, two rooks, two bishops, two knights, and eight pawns. White always moves first, and the goal is to checkmate the opponent’s king, trapping it with no escape. Games may also end in a draw through various conditions.

Chess originated from chaturanga, a game played in seventh-century India. It spread through Persia and the Arab world before reaching Europe, where the modern rules emerged by the late 15th century. Today, chess is played by millions globally, with its rules codified by FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs), the international governing body. Chess competitions, including the World Chess Championship, have been held since the 19th century, with Wilhelm Steinitz recognized as the first World Champion in 1886 and Ding Liren as the 2023  titleholder.

Over time, a vast body of chess theory has evolved, touching on art, mathematics, psychology, and computer science. Notably, in 1997, the computer Deep Blue made history by defeating reigning World Champion Garry Kasparov. Modern chess engines have since surpassed human abilities, influencing chess theory significantly, yet the game remains unsolved.

The game uses algebraic notation to record moves. The board’s squares alternate between light and dark colors, with the most popular design for competitive play being the Staunton set. Chess is governed by FIDE’s official rules, which were last revised in 2023, and while slight variations may exist across national bodies, FIDE’s regulations serve as the global standard.