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.
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”.
We are in the times of chess world champions, so it is quite obvious that chess sets are available in plenty in the market. But to choose the right one is an art in itself. If you have mastered the game of chess, then surely you will analyze a mark difference between an ordinary chess set and a unique high quality chess board made of different materials like oak, mahogany box, leather box, or a leather casket. However, your hunt ends at few of the renowned outlets like Daniels, Jacques London and many more. A plethora of chess set has emerged in these recent times as it is a big hit among the elite society and with new generation too. As a game of chess was always known well and associated with the kings and queens of both Victorian and medieval age, however, today people consider it to be a game of strategy and indigenous planning.
Game of chess was a favorite pass time in the ancient world history. Chess was a board game where two players play opposite each other extremely mastered in techniques and other typical nuances of the game. To relive the game of chess, one has to choose a right kind of chess set. To own one of the high quality chess boards, you need to determine your requirement. Few factors responsible for a perfect chess set are listed below:
Determine your purpose:
Many buy chess board for decorative purposes or as a collection item. Some chess sets are also known as heirlooms and are valued as a collection item for its incredible quality. Instead, if you are planning to play with it, then opt for good quality playing chess board from a renowned online outlet in authentic designs and enclosed in wooden boxes or leather finish.