With a history speculated to be as old as 1500 years, chess is believed to have originated in India and was known by the name ‘Chaturanga.’ It represented the four arms or divisions of the typical Indian army in Vedic times: elephants, cavalry, chariots, and infantry. These eventually evolved into the modern pawn, knight, bishop, and rook, respectively.
The most fascinating and frequently repeated story attributes the invention of chess to the holy saint, Sissa, at the courts of the Indian king, Balhait. In ancient India, concerns about the prevalence of gambling games using dice were prominent. Seeking to create a game that required mental skill rather than relying on luck, King Balhait approached Sissa, a wise Hindu Brahmin known for his analytical abilities. Sissa crafted the game of Chaturanga, played on an ancient board named ‘vastu purusha mandala,’ originally used by architects to design city plans.
This game was designed to enhance qualities such as prudence, foresight, valour, judgement, endurance, analytical, and reasoning abilities. It marked a shift from games of pure luckto strategic thinking and became the precursor to the chess we know today.
Ever since, chess has evolved significantly over time, especially in the 21st century, where physical boards are no longer a necessity. Thanks to online apps and websites, users can now play chess solo or with a partner conveniently. Tyrone Fernandes, a youngster from Mapusa, is particularly fond of playing chess online.
Tyrone explains that he prefers online chess mainly because of the ‘behind the screen’ aspect of it. It offers a non-time-bound experience, reducing performance anxiety without a physical opponent, thus making the game much more enjoyable. Moreover, not having to carry a board allows him to play whenever and wherever he wants to.
“My favourite aspect of online chess is the side game-mode of puzzles, which is offered on most online chess websites. These puzzles present a preset board, already in a played-state. The challenge is to find the most valuable move that will either lead to checkmating the opponent (winning) or gaining a piece-advantage (outnumbering the opponent’s pieces),” he mentions.
Chess has undergone more than just technological evolution; it has also gained recognition as a sport by the International Olympic Committee. While some may question this classification, chess truly fits the definition of a sport. It is competitive, demanding great skill, sportsmanship, and etiquette. Notably, chess is both physically and mentally demanding, especially during tournaments, as opposed to casual leisurely play.
Chess has also solidified its status as a mind sport, requiring strategic thinking and mental agility. “Like most sports, chess revolves heavily around reading and perceiving the game. What sets apart the bad from the good and the good from the great is the player’s ability to visualise the board and plan several steps ahead, anticipating their opponent’s moves,” comments Tyrone. Chess continues to captivate minds and challenge players to reach their full potential on the sixty-four squares of the board.
Although there is no specific right time to take up the sport, starting at a young age is considered ideal due to its many benefits. Ethan Vaz, a student of The King’s School, Margao, is a young chess prodigy who has achieved impressive accomplishments. He is a four-time state champion, two-time National Runner Up, and won a Gold medal in the Asia Chess Championship 2022. Moreover, he has represented India in World Championships, Asia, and Commonwealth tournaments.
“On International Chess Day, we take this opportunity to honour our chess players. We are thrilled to have so many talented chess players like Ethan Vaz and Edrick Vaz, who has also achieved numerous laurels. We also credit those who have participated in Directorate of State and Youth Affairs (DSYA) tournaments and acknowledge the importance of starting to play chess at a young age,” says Melvin Pereira, the chairman of The King’s School. Talking about the numerous benefits of chess, he states that chess not only builds sportsmanship but also enhances cognitive learning, focus, creativity, and determination.
Director Ligia Pereira, adds that some parents enrolled their children in chess classes when they were young, primarily to help them focus, increase their attention span, reduce restlessness, and encourage concentration on tasks. Today, they have witnessed that their children not only enjoy playing chess but also achieve success in it.
In addition, chess enhances critical thinking. By analysing the board and considering different strategies, children develop their problem-solving abilities, enabling them to think outside the box. As chess involves memorising opening moves, tactics, and patterns, regular practice improves memory and helps children plan ahead, taking into consideration the consequences of their moves and anticipating their opponent’s responses.
Prakash Vikram Singh, founder of Chess Guru Goa Academy, has not only trained Ethan Vaz but also many other talented players, including National-level players and state champions like Diya Sawal and Saras Powar.
Prakash shares that he completed his BTech in electronics, but his true passion lies in chess. And thus since 2017, he has been enthusiastically training young kids in the game. He states that one of the most rewarding aspects of being a chess coach is witnessing his students’ growth not only as chess players but also as individuals.
“Right from the beginning, my love for chess has driven me to share this wonderful game with others. As a chess coach, I feel privileged to play a part in shaping the minds of young players, nurturing their passion for the game, and instilling the values of sportsmanship and intellectual growth. Observing the excitement in my students’ eyes when they grasp a new concept or execute a brilliant combination brings me immense joy and satisfaction," says Prakash.
He emphasises that International Chess Day is not just another date on the calendar; it is a reminder of the enduring impact that chess has on individuals and communities worldwide. “As a chess coach, I am honoured to play a role in shaping the minds of young players, fostering a love for the game, and promoting the values of sportsmanship and intellectual growth. Today, I celebrate chess not only as a game but as a way of life that continues to inspire, challenge, and connect us all,” he concludes.