While chess has existed for well over a millennium, there has been a notable resurgence in its popularity in recent years. The Queen's Gambit, the critically-acclaimed Netflix miniseries based on the 1983 novel by Walter Tevis, sparked renewed curiosity in the game. And the rise of websites, streaming platforms, and chess apps has made the game more accessible to a broader audience.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded on July 20, 1924, and FIDE later designated that date as the official day to celebrate chess. Whether you are already a chess aficionado or a novice interested in learning more about this game of strategy, we have five fun ways to commemorate International Chess Day on July 20 — or anytime you want to challenge your brain.
1. Start with a giggle.
Q. Why do chess pieces look so uninterested?
A. They're part of a bored (board) game.
2. Learn some history.
The modern-day game of chess is believed to have originated in northern India around the 6th century. Originally known as chaturanga, meaning "four divisions of the military" in Sanskrit, the game represented the four main divisions of the Indian army: infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots. These eventually evolved into the modern chess pieces: pawn, knight, bishop, and rook.
For over a thousand years, the game continued to evolve and spread through various trade routes, gradually gaining popularity throughout Europe. In 1851, the first international chess tournament took place in London. The 1900s witnessed the rise of a number of great chess players, including the famous rivalry between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky during the Cold War era.
Computer advancements and artificial intelligence have significantly impacted chess. In 1997, IBM's Deep Blue defeated World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, marking a milestone in computer chess.
3. Get to know the characters.
There are six types of chess pieces, each with a unique way of moving across the board. Understanding each piece is crucial for planning strategies, executing tactics, and controlling the board effectively.
- The KING is the most important piece on the board since the point of the game is to protect your king from being captured. It can move one square in any direction — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
- The QUEEN is the most powerful piece in chess and can move any number of squares in any direction.
- The ROOKS are castle-like pieces that can begin the game in the corners of the board. They can move horizontally or vertically, any number of squares, as long as no pieces are obstructing their path.
- Each player starts with two BISHOPS, one on a light square and the other on a dark square, next to the King and Queen. Bishops move any number of squares diagonally as long as there are no obstructions.
- The KNIGHTS are unique in their movement pattern. They move in an L-shape, consisting of two squares in one direction (horizontal or vertical) and then one square perpendicular to it. Knights are the only pieces that can "jump over" other pieces.
- PAWNS are the smallest and most numerous pieces on the board. They can move forward one square but capture diagonally. On their first move, pawns can move two squares forward. Pawns also have a special move called en passant and can be promoted to any other piece upon reaching the opposite end of the board.
4. Have a movie knight, er, night!
There are a few family-friendly movies about chess that are both entertaining and inspiring.
- Magnus (NR): A documentary about Magnus Carlsen, a Norwegian chess prodigy who became a grandmaster at age 13 and world champion in 2013.
- Queen of Katwe (PG): This inspiring film tells the true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from Uganda who becomes a chess prodigy.
- Searching for Bobby Fischer (PG): Based on the true story of chess prodigy Josh Waitzkin, it follows the journey of a young boy as he navigates the competitive chess world.
- Pawn Sacrifice (PG-13): Set during the Cold War, American chess prodigy Bobby Fischer finds himself caught between two superpowers and his own struggles as he challenges the Soviet Empire.
5. Play the game.
Of course, the best way to celebrate International Chess Day is to gather with fellow chess enthusiasts to play a friendly game!
If you don't yet know how to play, Chess.com is one of the largest online chess platforms that provides interactive tutorials, lessons, puzzles, articles, and videos to help players of all levels. ChessKid, designed specifically for children, offers interactive lessons, puzzles, tournaments, videos, and a safe chat system.
