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Chess originated in Europe during the 15th century and is actually a modernized adapted version of a game created in India called Shatranj. There have been extensive developments in the strategy and playing of the game despite its relatively simple theme and rule set. Chess was originally intended to be a lesson on the rules of war. It was used to train generals and captains in 15th century war to understand the merits of strategy over brute force. It was also used to show the merits of strategy in pair with training, as a battle was often won and lost not on the skill of the soldiers, but the skill, tact, and decisions of the leader. The game was meant to show the necessity and tact of proper sacrifice in a battle.

Tournament play has developed over the turn of the 19th century, and world championships have been held since 1886 when the first world champion was named (Wilhelm Steinitz.) Chess has also seen development in the form of computers. Computer vs computer chess competition has been a sport of technology and programming universities in the last 20 years. The first computer to ever beat a world champion was called Deep Blue. It defeated Garry Kasparov in 1997. Since it’s emergence in the competitive scene, chess has been recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee. Though tournament games range from ten minutes to six hours, an average casual game lasts ten minutes to an hour. Chess is a great way to twist your mind and force yourself to think in compartmentalized strategy. Chess can be a fun way to compete against your friends in an intellectual way, a refreshing contrast to the general friendly competition that we see in modern society today. Almost every home has a chess board, why not sit down and give it a shot?