According to historical evidence and the US Chess Trust, variations of chess setup and play began around 600 A.D. Alternatively there is unverified evidence of the game existing as far back as 100 A.D., based on archeological game pieces and figures discovered.
Chess is known to have begun following early trade routes out of India. Many derivations of the game have since been esteemed and popularized by world cultures. Originally chess known as Chaturang, was a long involved game wherein the pieces had less range than our modern-day figures. Pieces such as the bishop and queen were considered to be the weakest on the original board set up during medieval times. It wasn’t until the 15th century that the queen became the most powerful game piece most likely popularized by European royalty. From there the quicker approach to playing made the game very popular among social intellectuals of the time and moving forward.
Some of the other cultural variations of the chess setup pieces are listed below to give an idea of the scope and evolution of chess.
Xiangai or Chinese Chess
Xiangai is today one of the most popular board games played in china and Vietnam. The object, similar to western chess, is to capture an opponents’ general. Pieces included were: General, Advisor, Elephant, Horse, Chariot, Cannon and Soldier.
Indian Chess
Indian chess was played in the 18th and 19th century. From this variation the concepts of castling and pawn promotion became popularized. Pieces included: King, queen, Elephant (bishop), Horse (knight), Boat (rook) and Army (pawn).
Janggi or Korean Chess
Janggi was derived from the Xianggi and involves using a 9×10 playing board for set up. The game had twists which involved jumping canons and long-range elephants. Pieces were similar to the Chinese chess version.
Many young children take up chess at an early age. They are often encouraged to do so by a parent or grandparent and a grasp of this classic game will serve them well throughout their lives. Chess may be regarded as very complex, but it in essence it only involves a total of sixteen playing pieces on each side and a board with sixty-four marked squares to play it on.
There is always the temptation to treat your young chess players to their own set and why not, after all a knowledge of chess is an asset in many social situations. It is a hobby that is almost timeless and it appeals to both young and old alike. We know of a number of parents who have spent large sums on the procurement of a chess set for their children, perhaps in the hope that their offspring will go on to be a grand master. Here is a fun and money-saving idea for parents whose children like chess but also like dinosaurs – why not make your own, bespoke chess set using prehistoric animal model playing pieces.
A Do-it-Yourself Dinosaur Chess Set – The Playing Board
Creating your very own customised dinosaur-themed chess set is simple. By doing so you combine a child’s fascination with dinosaurs with the desire to practice and build up their skills as chess player. Let’s start with the playing board. This consists of a total of sixty-four squares, laid out in a grid – eight squares by eight squares. Traditionally, the board is laid out with alternate black and white squares but any contrasting colours can be used.
Chess can be taught in a variety of ways and it is each person’s choice how to find the best chess teacher for themselves.
Some people do well with live people, some do well with web links, videos, audios, and click by click prompts to explain each move and why it is the correct one.
Many people who have tried to learn by reading books have decided that chess is too complicated for them. The shorthand notation they use is too hard. But there are now books that the regular person who wants to learn about chess can do so. It probably wasn’t that chess was too hard for them, just the book.
Books that teach in laymen’s terms for beginners are the best. Books that explain the rich history of the game, the antique boards and pieces also enrich the experience. There are plenty of books with lots of pictures and diagrams of the way the board should look as the person steps through a game. We must first learn about the board, about the rows and columns and what they are called. How to correctly set the pieces, how the pieces move, what is the best way to start a game? What the correct ways to answer the opening movements are. Learn how to use the pieces as a group or army to protect the king instead of individual pieces acting on their own mission. Let the book teach you how to use more than one piece to set up the others and what to do after capturing or losing a major piece.
Children can learn the basics of chess setup as early as two or three years old. Teaching your child how to begin playing this tactical game will enhance early learning abilities and give them a boost in analytical skill. Setting up a chess board is not difficult and a child can easily learn to memorize the basic ideas.
Board Setup
The board is positioned with a white square on each corner on this far right. Try and remember to teach your child “light on right”. The rooks are placed on the two corner squares to the left and right on the outside. The knights will be placed next and are on the squares beside the rooks on either side. Next, place the two bishops and in the center will be the queen and king pieces. The queen will always be on her own color. In other words, the white queen will be on the white square and the black queen will be on the black or dark square. This completes the entire back row. On the next row, directly in front of the major pieces you will place the pawns.
Here are some great games and ideas to creatively teach your children how to get ready to play this fun game and remember how-to-setup the board.
Hide the Piece
Start by setting up the chess board as instructed above. Take away one, two or three pieces at a time (depending on the age of your child) and have them figure out where to place them. They will be quick to figure out the pattern once they begin to see it from each side.
Once they have that part figured out, take away one whole side, either white or black and see if they are able to duplicate the rows. Don’t forget to remind them about “queen on her own color”.
Chess Teacher is a family game developed by Excalibur, Inc. based in Miami, FL for those eager to learn the exciting game of chess. The game is similar to any chess board but comes with a simple breakdown to teach the young and old chess novices how to play. Beginners can easily learn to play chess with the Chess Teacher Set.
Chess Teacher comes with the below elements and has an easy-to-follow format. Included in the game is an 8×8 square folding board of black and white tiles. The Staunton-style plastic playing pieces involve 16 black chess pieces (8 main pieces and 8 pawns) and 16 white chess pieces similarly. All the elements come packaged in a convenient tin which is perfect for storage or travel.
What is unique about Chess Teacher is that in addition to the pieces are instructional diagrams which attach to the piece itself. These indicate appropriate piece movement such as which direction they can maneuver and how many spaces.
A user guide is also included which provides detailed chess rules and tips for beginners. The guide begins with the basic outline of each piece and how they are to be placed and moved across the board. Next, an outline of chess rules from setting up play to movements of the pieces. The guide details many special moves which are important in learning how to play chess effectively. These moves include; capturing a piece, castling, capturing en passant, promotion and check. Endgame is briefly addressed as well and players can learn about checkmate, resignation and a draw. The user guide concludes with a few tips on chess to assist you in playing well from the beginning.
This game can be found in plenty of retail outlets such as toy stores, Wal-Mart, Target as well as online on Amazon or other purchasing outlets.