Chess Games for Beginners
Chess is a great game to learn and will offer a lifetime of enjoyment. It is a game of mental strategy, patience and planning and once learned is a great way to connect with others. Young and old can play, so what has been holding you back?
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History of the Game
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The game of chess finds its roots in India in the sixth century, making it over 1500-years-old. It spread through Persia, the Muslim world, Asia and then Europe to become the game of today. Archaeological digs have uncovered many old chess pieces of various shapes and styles. In the Muslim world, it is forbidden to have anything made into the shapes of humans or animals, so the chess men of those times were of various shapes and forms.
Features
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The game of chess is played on a checkered board, with each player having one king, one queen, two rooks, two bishops, two knights and eight pawns. Each piece has a different level of power and its own prescribed way of moving on the board. For instance, the pawn can only move one square at a time, with the exception of the opening move when it can move two spaces. The bishop can only move diagonally. One player is "white" and the other player is "black," denoting the color of the chess pieces. Each player plays in turn with the goal of capturing the other player's king, which ends the game.
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Chess Sets
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There are many variations of the traditional chess pieces, and they are available in almost any material, from inexpensive plastic to crystal and silver. Inexpensive sets can be purchased in most department stores and game stores. A vast array is available online.
The Mental Game of Chess
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Chess is a mental game in which each player must be thinking several moves ahead. As you learn to play, you learn that you have to sacrifice some pieces in order to gain the upper hand on your opponent. Playing with one opponent most of the time will give you insight as to how his mind works in planning the moves, which can be an advantage, but keep in mind that your opponent is learning how your mind works at the same time. Mastering a few opening moves will put your opponent on the defense at the beginning of the game, which is a great way to keep control of the game.
Playing Online
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Learning to play chess online is the fastest and easiest way to learn whether or not you really like the game enough to purchase your own set, and will give you all the instruction and experience you need. There are many free online sites that offer real-time play, meaning you are playing with other players at or about at your level of experience. The Chess website offers a mentor/virtual coach, live play and tournaments as you improve.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Photo by Dreamstime
