Chess

Chess is a strategic board game played between two players on a 10x10 checkered board in this alternate timeline. Known as "the game of kings," chess has a long and storied history, with its origins tracing back to ancient Sumer. The game is known for its meticulous strategy and tactical approach, with various pieces and sets of rules depending on the variant being played.

Historical background

Chess began as a means to hone military tactical skills in the royal courts of Sumer. The 10x10 board represented a battlefield on which two opposing armies would face off. The game quickly gained popularity among various social classes and spread to other ancient civilizations, including Babylon and Assyria. Eventually, the game found its way to other regions like the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Asia.

As chess spread, its significant role in politics and culture manifested in many ways, such as allegiance-defining tournaments and grandiose sets made for royalty. In various cultures, the game was also thought to hold deep religious and spiritual significance, with several regional variants incorporating mythological elements.

Basic rules and piece movement

The basic setup of the chessboard features a grid of 10x10 squares, alternating in color and called the "white" and "black" squares. Each player controls an army represented by distinctly shaped pieces with unique movement capabilities:

• Pawn: Moves one square forward, captures diagonally.
• Rook: Moves in a straight line horizontally or vertically from its position.
• Knight: Moves in an L-shape, two squares vertically or horizontally followed by one square in a perpendicular direction.
• Archbishop: Combines the movements of the Knight and the Bishop.
• Bishop: Moves any number of squares diagonally.
• Queen: Moves one square diagonally, horizontally, or vertically.
• King: Moves one square in any direction.

The primary objective is to checkmate the opponent's king, meaning the king is placed in a position where it cannot escape capture on the next move.

Regional variants and changes

Numerous regional variants of chess have emerged over the centuries. Some important ones include:

• Persian Chess: Widely played in the Middle East, this variant uses the same board and pieces but adds rules that allow for more intricate strategies, including pawns being able to promote on the fourth rank.
• Chinese Chess: Also known as Xiangqi, played on a 9x10 grid, this version features pieces such as a Cannon and the unique General element, with added importance on central control.
• Japanese Chess: Also known as Shogi, played on a 9x9 board, this version allows captured pieces to be returned to the board in a new position.
• Thai Chess: Also known as Makruk, played on an 8x8 board with fewer pieces, mostly the same as Western chess.

Impact on culture, politics, and literature

Chess has consistently played a significant role in history and culture. In many societies, chess was considered an essential tool for developing strategic thinking and mental fortitude. Rulers and political elites were often expected to display a good understanding of chess, with their prowess being used as an indication of their competence.

Chess has also inspired numerous literary works and pieces of art. In some cultures, the pieces and their moves were imbued with symbolic or mythological significance, leading to rich literary traditions. Chess has even inspired various forms of theater, music, and film.

Famous players and historical matches

Throughout history, many players have gained notoriety for their skill and dedication to the game of chess. Some notable figures include:

• King Hammurabi: The legendary Babylonian ruler credited with creating the first standardized set of rules for the game.
• Gilgamesh: A mythical player from Sumer, who was said to have used a divine strategy that allowed him to defeat enemies effortlessly.
• Zhou Aiqin: The Chinese champion who played during the Tang Dynasty, known for his innovative tactics and strategies.
• Julius Caesar: The Roman leader, who was known for his love of chess and is said to have played during battles to relax.
• Alexander the Great: The famous Macedonian conqueror, who credited his strategic prowess to his early lessons playing chess.

Some notable chess matches with political, cultural, or historical significance include:

• The Battle of Carthage: A legendary chess match that took place between Carthaginian and Roman forces before the beginning of the Punic Wars.
• The Treaty of Tordesillas: A chess match that took place during negotiations between Spain and Portugal in 1494, resulting in the division of the world between the two powers.
• The Cairo Chess Congress: An event held in 1864 in Egypt that brought together many of the greatest chess players from around the world.