Chess

Chess is a strategic board game played between two players. It is played on an 8×8 grid known as a chessboard, which is alternatingly colored in light and dark squares. Each player starts 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, meaning to place it under threat of capture in such a way that there is no legal move for the opponent to escape the threat.

Chess is renowned for its deep strategic elements, tactical plays, and rich history, making it a popular game worldwide. It has numerous variants, but the standard version adheres to specific rules regarding movement, capturing, and special maneuvers like castling and en passant. Chess is often seen as a test of intelligence and skill, with players needing to think several moves ahead while anticipating their opponent’s strategy. It has also become a subject of academic study, with various theories and opening strategies developed over centuries. Chess can be played in person, online, or through computer programs, and it is recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee.