Chess academic studies

The game of chess is so much more than just a hobby or pastime. Although it is one of the simplest games you can play, it is also simultaneously one of the most intricately complex. The rules are very easy to understand, but the strategies involved that have been formed by some of the greatest minds in history, are exceedingly complicated. A brief look into the history of chess discusses how it was created around the fourth or sixth century and that t originated somewhere in Asia, either China or India.

Chess Mathematician

Some experts and historians argue that it was created by a great mathematician while others maintain that it was a regular citizen of a much younger age. Regardless of the exact origins, these experts do agree that the chess we know and love came out of ancient military strategy tools. When looking at the game board and pieces separately this may not be so easy to understand as the pieces appear to move in somewhat random means.

Chess Pieces

For instance the bishop moves diagonally while the rook moves horizontally and vertically, and the queen can move either way. Knights are always confusing for new players, as their L-shaped jumps across the board are not easy to recognize at first. However, when all the pieces are used as part of a larger strategy, it is extremely easy to see how the chess pieces, in conjunction, flank the board like an army on the battlefield. Just like overtaking enemy territory, the goal of chess is to overtake the opponent’s king, and just like real life war, you will need to plot out a plan of attack before even approaching the field.

Because of the deep, analytic thinking involved with the game of chess, there are many chess academic studies you can use to help you understand the game much better. Experts have written books about the different strategies and how you might need to change your thinking in order to be able to play more efficient and effectively.

Benjamin Franklin even commented on how chess is less about winning and losing, but truly about learning more about how you think and form strategies. There are books about how the game represents the multitude of cognitive faculties we have access to, and how one single game can open us up to almost every emotion in our being. Numerous Chess Clubs have started over the world.  Chess is truly a timeless and inspiring experience.