Chess

Chess is a two-player strategy board game that involves moving distinct pieces on an 8×8 grid called a chessboard. Each player begins with 16 pieces: one king, one queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns. The objective of the game is to checkmate the opponent’s king, placing it under threat of capture that cannot be escaped. Chess combines elements of tactical and strategic thought, requiring players to plan ahead and anticipate their opponent’s moves. The game has a rich history, dating back to its origins in India around the 6th century, and has evolved through various cultures. Chess is recognized for its intellectual challenge and has been studied extensively in terms of strategies, openings, and endgame techniques. It is played at recreational, competitive, and professional levels worldwide, often governed by standardized rules set by organizations such as FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs). Chess has also become a subject of interest in computer science and artificial intelligence, with numerous programs developed to play at various skill levels.