10 Surprising Facts About Chess
Chess is not only a game of strategy but a fascinating part of history and culture. Jump onboard!
Illustration from The Game and Playe of Chesse (1474) by Jonathon Oldbuck on the Game of Chess, Public domain and William CaxtonInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
1. The second book ever printed in English was about chess
The second book published in English was about chess. The Game and Playe of Chesse was published in the 1470s by the first English printer, William Caxton.
LIFE Photo Collection
2. There are more chess games than atoms in the universe
There are more possible games of chess than total atoms in the observable universe. In 1950, mathematician Claude Shannon calculated “Shannon’s number,” which sums up to 10^120 possible 40-move chess games. In comparison, there are 10^80 atoms observable in the universe.
A handshake at the start of a chess game (2023) by Stev BonhageInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
3. Chess has a tradition of a handshake
Chess players start and finish their tournament games with a handshake. Much like the bowing in martial arts, it's a ritual that signifies mutual respect, regardless of the game's outcome.
Karpov and Kasparov playing their unlimited world championship match (1984) by Photo by Boris DolmatovskyInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
4. FIDE is 100 years old
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is one of the oldest sports governing bodies, established in Paris in 1924 and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024.
Electronica IM-01, the first Soviet mass-market chess computer (1977) by Photo by Viktor BoykoInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
5. Early chess computers appeared in the 70s
Chess computers are older than you might think. Electronica IM-01, the first Soviet mass-market chess computer, was produced in 1977.
Visually impaired player uses a special chess board (2023) by Photo by Mark LivshitzInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
6. July 20th is World Chess Day
July 20th is celebrated as World Chess Day, officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019.
A chess move in black and white (2023) by Stev BonhageInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
7. The chess Elo rating system is adopted by other sports
The Elo rating system is a method for calculating players relative skill levels. Created by Hungarian-American physics professor Arpad Elo for chess, it is also used in soccer, American football, basketball, and many other sports.
Chess Tournament (1939) by Hansel MiethLIFE Photo Collection
8. The queen was the weakest piece
Initially, the queen was the weakest piece on the board, moving only one square at a time. The modern queen gained its power in Spain in the 15th century.
Kasparov vs. Short PCA World Championship Match Caricature (1993) by FIDE archiveInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
9. Chess had two parallel World Championships
Chess experienced a period with two parallel world championships. In 1993, Garry Kasparov and Nigel Short refused to play under FIDE and created their own championship cycle, leading to two simultaneous world titles until the reunification match in 2006.
Susan Polgar at the 45th Chess Olympiad (2024) by Michal WaluszaInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
10. Chess has its own Olympiad
The first Chess Olympiad was held in 1927. In 2024, the 45th edition set a participation record with 188 teams in the Open section and 169 teams in the Women's section.
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