Dive in with Kidlee in a fascinating universe where intelligence, strategy and creativity intertwine on a chessboard. In this article, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the world of chess to reveal 10 little-known anecdotes that could well redefine your perception of the game and help you learn everything there is to know about chess. From mysterious origins to intriguing strategies, iconic players and astonishing historical facts, get ready to discover a whole new light on chess.
All you need to know about chess: 10 surprising anecdotes!
1. Chess: An Ancient Military Tradition
Chess is not just a game, but has also been used as a tool for a form of military training from ancient India to today's technological age. This use reflects the strategic depth and complexity of the game.
2. Everything you need to know about chess: l'Échiquier à Cases Alternées
The classic appearance of the chessboard, with alternating light and dark squares that we know today in Europe dates back to 1090. This visual design added an aesthetic and practical dimension to the game.
3. "Checkmate: A Persian Origin
The famous term "checkmate" has its origins in the Persian expression "Shah Matwhich literally translates as "the king is dead". This expression reflects the finality of the game when a king is inevitably defeated.
4. A Record of Captureless Blows
The impressive record of 100 shots without capture was set during the of the match between Thornton and Mr. Walker in 1992. This feat demonstrates the subtlety and strategy inherent in the game of chess.
5. Speed by Susan Polgar
The International Chess Grandmaster Susan Polgar demonstrated her exceptional speed by breaking a record. She managed to play 326 opponents simultaneously in less than 16 hours, underlining the remarkable powers of concentration of the grandmasters.
6. The Longest Chess Game
Imagine a chess game of 5,949 moves! This is the longest part possiblewhich highlights the patience and perseverance required to achieve such a long playing time.
7. The Printed Book of Chess
In English, the second book to be printed was dedicated to chess. This historical detail underlines the importance and popularity of the game over the centuries.
8. All you need to know about chess: the various ways of Mate in two or three moves
There are eight different ways to checkmate from the starting position in just two moves, while the total number of ways to checkmate in three moves is 355. This strategic diversity enriches the game of chess with multiple perspectives.
9. Eric Knoppert's Endurance
In 1985, Eric Knoppert played 500 10-minute games of chess in just 68 hours. This physical and mental feat testifies to the stamina required to maintain a high level of performance over an extended period.
10. All about chess: the Longest Correspondence Game
The longest correspondence chess game lasted almost 20 years, from 1984 to 2003, between two Swedish players. This longevity underlines the unique and extensive nature of correspondence games, enriching the gaming experience over time.
We hope these 10 revelations have enlightened you on the many facets of this fascinating universe. If you'd like to continue your exploration of captivating and enriching subjects, don't miss our other articles on our website.
