Chess is called, “The Game of Kings.” Many attribute this to the fact that the game was played by royalty and nobility throughout history, while some take the more simplistic viewpoint that because the central theme of the game revolves around the “king piece,” it is therefore referred to as “The Game of Kings.” I believe because the game itself is regal, it can only be referred to as, “The Game of Kings.” Chess is a metaphor for life.
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I have played chess for more than 25 years (not particularly well have you) and have marveled at the complexity of the game. The number of chess variables that can occur in any game has been estimated to 10^50. This number is almost impossible to comprehend, and is much greater than the number of atoms in the observable universe. It’s worth noting that although there are infinite numbers of permutations that could occur in a game, most never do, as they involve highly improbable sequence of moves, but they could happen if the right two players were on opposing sides of the board. This means, almost everything is available at any moment it just takes two people willing to explore this unknown territory.
The origins of chess can be traced back to ancient India, where a game called Chaturanga was played around the 6th century AD. From there, the game spread to Persia and then to the Islamic world and Europe, where it evolved into the modern version of chess we know today. The rules of the game were standardized in the 15thcentury, and since then, chess has become one of the most popular and widely played games in the world.
In 2020, amidst the world shutting down, chess experienced a resurgence. With access to online games and You Tubers creating chess channels, a chess renaissance was born. My first serious entry into the game of chess was after having watched the 1993 movie, Searching for Bobby Fischer. The movie was based on the true story of chess prodigy, Joshua Waitzkin, whose own father recognizes his son’s natural talent and enlisted the talent of a chess coach to mentor his young son.
In the film, Joshua quickly rises through the ranks of the chess world, but his father begins to worry that the competitive nature of the game was changing his son for the worse (I can personally attest that this indeed happens to ardent fans of the game. It can be very frustrating). The film chronicles both the rise and eventual “burn out” phase that Joshua goes through and leaves the viewer wondering if spending this much time on a “game” is a worthwhile pursuit.
Read David’s book, Pura Vida, featuring the Art of Chess!
I know many fans of chess would bristle at this assertion, because to fans of the game, chess is so much more than a “game.” For many, chess is a way of life that has captured the hearts of countless people throughout history. The list of famous people who loved chess is long and robust: Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, Napoleon Bonaparte, Humphrey Bogart, and Stanley Kubrick are just a few of the notables that have attempted to master the game.
The timeless elegance of chess and its enduring popularity have allowed this game to be passed on from generation to generation. From father to daughter, mother to son, friend to friend, stranger to stranger; this game has the capacity to bring people together from all cultures, religions, and nations at large. Chess is a universal language that is spoken with many dialects.
With its intricate strategies, elegant pieces, and rich cultural history, chess is a game that offers both intellectual challenge and aesthetic beauty, making it the perfect pastime that is both stimulating and inspiring. When played well, chess is art.
There is something truly magical about the way the pieces move across the board, each with its own unique and elegant fashion. Although the status and power of each piece varies at different junctures in the game, the ultimate strength or weakness of any piece can change in a moment’s notice and without fail every piece contributes in a way another can’t. In other words, it takes all kinds. What one does well, another is lacking and vice versa.
Chess: Soldiers of Different Talents
A pawn is the smallest and those less informed about the game think is the least powerful piece on the board; however, its importance should not be underestimated. It is the frontline soldier of the army, capable of moving forward one or two squares (only on its initial move), and has the unique ability to “promote” if it reaches the other side of the board. This means it can become a knight, bishop, rook, or queen upon promotion and thus has the potential to greatly affect the outcome of the game.
Despite its limited range of movement, pawns are crucial for controlling the center of the board and creating strategic opportunities for the rest of the pieces. These small pieces work to help the whole, oftentimes with little fanfare or glory. Thus, this is proof that even the seemingly meekest can indeed make an impact if we only see the special talents hidden within them. Not only that, the piece that at one time was perceived to be the least powerful, through effort and perseverance, can become one of the most powerful pieces on the board through promotion. The lessons of chess are not unlike the lessons of life.
The knight (horse) is maybe the most unique piece on the board due to its distinctive L-shaped movement that allows it to jump over other pieces. This ability gives the knight great mobility and allows it to quickly change direction and attack unexpected squares. In the hands of a skilled player, the knight alone can cause enormous frustration for an opposing player—more so than almost any other piece. Every serious player of chess has at one time or another been blindsided by a knight fork that snatches a valuable piece off of the board. The very thing that makes the knight appear different (in how it moves) is the same thing that makes it so invaluable, not unlike those special people around us that appear “different.”
The bishop (pointed hat) moves diagonally across the board, always staying on the same color square as the one it started on. It is known for its ability to control long diagonal lines of attack, making it a valuable asset in both defense and offense. Bishops are used control important squares, and two bishops (darked squared and light squared) working in concert together can create a formidable wall of defense. This proves that when we work together, black and white, we become more powerful than when we go it alone.
A rook (castle) is characterized by its ability to move horizontally or vertically across the board, attacking any piece in its path. Second to the queen in strength, it is often considered a vital piece on the board, as it controls large swathes of the board with relative ease. The rook maintains its power from afar, keeping perspective on the overall vision of the battle at hand.
Overseeing the attack is the Great Lady herself—the Queen. She is the embodiment of grace, power, and elegance. During the battle, she is the most powerful piece on the board, capable of moving in any direction with ease while striking fear in the hearts of her opponents. Her beauty lies not only in her ability to attack and defend with deadly precision but also in her versatility and range of movement. She has a regal and majestic presence that commands respect and admiration. When she moves, she moves with purpose, and all who witness her greatness are left in awe. It is through the strength of a woman that the kingdom relies, for although she is “second” to the King, without her power and grace the King would perish.
And finally, the King. The King in chess is the ultimate symbol of power and majesty, a regal figure that sits at the center of the board and commands the loyalty of his subject. He is the ultimate protector of the Kingdom, always watching, vigilant, and ready to defend against any threat that may arise. Despite his fearsome reputation, the King is also a figure of great wisdom and compassion, always seeking to rule with fairness and justice. His movements are deliberate and measured (one square at time), and his very presence on the board imbues the game with a sense of grandeur and nobility. The King is the heart of the game, the embodiment of all that is great and noble about the human spirit. This essence is what we must always protect—the greatest version of ourselves.
These are the players and each has their role. No role is too small, nor is any piece any better or worse than another. It will take a village for the Kingdom to stand.
Chess is like a grand symphony, with each piece of the board playing its own unique melody to create a masterpiece of strategy and skill. The beauty of the game lies not only in its intricate movements and clever tactics but in its ability to inspire us to think beyond ourselves and work together to achieve greatness. Like the musicians in an orchestra, the pieces on the board must work in harmony, each playing its part to create something greater than the sum of those very parts.
Through the game of chess, we are reminded of the limitless potential of the human mind, and of the transformational power of collaboration and unity. Chess reminds us that every move we make has consequences, and the choices we make today will affect the outcome of tomorrow and future tomorrows. When we come together as one, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness beyond our wildest dreams.
Chess, the Game of Kings…