Introduction to Chess
Chess is a strategic game played between two players. It is played on a 8x8 checkered board with 16 pieces each including 8 pawns, 2 knights, 2 rooks, 2 bishops, 1 queen and 1 king. The main motive is to checkmate your opponent. This game teaches strategy, patience and boosts your planning skills and thinking skills. This game is also played online.
This game is usually played under time pressure, most common ways are:
Blitz: Each player has 3 - 10 minutes of time on the clock, forcing quick thinking and fast moves.
Rapid: Each player gets 10 - 60 minutes of time on the clock, allowing time for strategic thinking.
Bullet: Each player gets 1 - 3 minutes of time on the clock, forcing lightning fast moves and quick reflexes.
Classical: Each player has 60 minutes or more on the clock, allowing plenty of time for thinking carefully.
Chess Board and Pieces
A chessboard has 64 squares and pieces like kings, queens, and pawns, which you place on the board and move according to the rules to play the game.
Chess Clock
A chess clock has two timers, and you press your side after making a move so each player’s time is tracked during the game.
Notation Sheet
Notation lets you write down each move using letters and numbers, so you can follow, review, or replay your game later.
What is FIDE?
FIDE is an international chess federation that works as a governing body for chess worldwide. It was founded in 1924 and connects various chess federations and regulates international chess tournaments worldwide. It also oversees FIDE ratings of a player that measures a player's strength based on their performance in official tournaments.
| Title | Typical Rating | Level |
|---|---|---|
| CM | ~2000 | Beginner international |
| FM | ~2300 | Strong competitive player |
| IM | ~2400 | Advanced player, step below GM |
| GM | ~2500+ | Elite player |
| World Champion | Varies | Best player in the world |
| WCM/WFM/WIM/WGM | Slightly lower | Women’s titles |
FIDE Roles
Organiser
The person or team responsible for planning and running chess events, including logistics, rules, and scheduling.
Arbiter
A chess official who oversees the game, enforces rules and makes decisions when there are problems.
Coach
A chess professional who helps improve skills, strategy, and performance through lessons and practice.
History
Chess is a game that has been played for over 1400 years. It was originated in India around the 6th century, where it was call Chaturanga. It spread to Persia, then to Arab world and travelled its way to Europe, evolving into its modern form.
Over the years, the rules and pieces were standardized and chess became a game of strategy, skill and international competition, enjoyed by millions.
TED