Author: NM Jesse Cohen

Chess is a game that has been played for centuries, with its origins traced back to ancient India. Over time, the game has evolved, and its rules have been refined to create the version of chess that we know and love today. However, despite the rich history of this game, there is no single individual who can be definitively called the “father of chess.”

Instead, the history of chess is a complex tapestry woven together by many different cultures and individuals.

One of the earliest recorded versions of the game was called chaturanga, which was played in India around the 6th century CE.

This version of the game was similar to chess, but the rules were not identical to the game as we know it today.

From India, the game spread throughout the world, with variations of the game popping up in China, Persia, and the Arab world.

One of the most influential figures in the history of chess was a man named Ruy López de Segura.

López was a Spanish bishop who wrote one of the earliest known books on chess, titled “Libro de la invención liberal y arte del juego del Axedrez.”

This book, which was published in 1561, contained detailed instructions on how to play the game and strategies for winning. López’s book was instrumental in spreading the game of chess throughout Europe, and he is often credited with popularizing the game in Spain.

Another individual who is often mentioned as a potential “father of chess” is the Persian philosopher and polymath, Razi.

Razi was an influential thinker who lived in the 9th century CE, and he wrote extensively on a wide variety of subjects, including chess.

In one of his books, Razi discussed the game of shatranj, which was a Persian version of chess.

He provided detailed instructions on how to play the game, and his work was influential in spreading the game throughout the Arab world.

Despite the contributions of these individuals, it is important to remember that the history of chess is a collaborative effort, with contributions from many different cultures and individuals.

The game that we know and love today has been shaped by countless people over the centuries, each adding their own unique ideas and strategies to the game.

From the ancient origins of chaturanga to the modern game of chess that we play today, the history of this game is a testament to the power of collaboration and human ingenuity.

In conclusion, while there is no single individual who can be called the “father of chess,” the game has been shaped and refined by countless cultures and individuals over the centuries.

From the early Indian version of chaturanga to the modern game of chess, the history of this game is a testament to the power of human innovation and collaboration.

As we continue to play and enjoy this timeless game, we should remember the rich history that has brought us to where we are today.

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Welcome to Summit School of Chess! As an organization dedicated to promoting the game of chess and helping players of all levels improve their skills, we are excited to share with you some of the latest news and trends in the world of chess.

First and foremost, it’s impossible to talk about chess without mentioning the recent surge in popularity thanks to the hit Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit.” This show has done wonders for introducing a new audience to the game, and we’re thrilled to see more people taking an interest in it.

But “The Queen’s Gambit” is just one piece of the puzzle. Chess has been a beloved game for centuries, and its timeless appeal is evident in the fact that it continues to attract new players and captivate old ones alike.

One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the rise of online chess. With the ability to play games against opponents from around the world at any time, the internet has revolutionized the way people play and learn chess. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there are countless resources available online to help you improve your skills and challenge yourself.

Speaking of challenging oneself, it’s impossible to talk about modern chess without mentioning Magnus Carlsen. Widely considered one of the greatest chess players of all time, Carlsen’s dominance in the game has been nothing short of impressive. His unique style and approach to the game have inspired countless players around the world to up their own game and try new strategies.

But Carlsen is far from the only top-level player worth following. Levy Rozman, known by his online persona “GothamChess,” has become a popular figure in the chess world thanks to his engaging YouTube videos and streams. And of course, there are legends like Garry Kasparov and up-and-comers like Anish Giri, who continue to make waves in the world of competitive chess.

Speaking of competitive chess, one of the most exciting events on the chess calendar is the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, held annually in the Netherlands. This tournament attracts the world’s top players, and is always a thrilling event for chess enthusiasts. In recent years, rising stars like Daniil Dubov and Vidit Gujrathi have made their mark at Tata Steel, showcasing the next generation of chess talent.

At Summit School of Chess, we’re passionate about all things chess. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total beginner, we’re here to help you improve your skills and take your game to the next level. So why not join us and see what the world of chess has in store for you?

Chess is a game of strategy, skill, and patience. It has been played for centuries and continues to captivate people of all ages and backgrounds. If you’re looking to improve your chess game, there are many strategies and techniques you can use to become a better player. In this blog, we will explore some of the best ways to get better at chess.

1. Study Chess Theory

One of the most important steps to improving your chess game is to study chess theory. This involves learning about the different openings, strategies, and tactics that are commonly used in chess. You can find a wealth of information online or in books about chess theory. Some good resources include chess.com, chessgames.com, and chess24.com.

2. Practice Regularly

Practice is essential if you want to get better at chess. You can practice by playing against other people, whether it’s online or in person. You can also practice by playing against a computer program, which can be a great way to improve your skills. Try to play as often as possible and set aside regular time slots for chess practice.

3. Analyze Your Games

Analyzing your games is another important step to improving your chess game. After each game, take some time to review your moves and identify areas where you could have made better decisions. This can help you learn from your mistakes and avoid making the same errors in future games.

4. Learn from Strong Players

Watching and learning from strong players can also be a great way to improve your chess game. You can watch games online or attend local chess tournaments to observe the play of skilled players. Try to identify their strategies and tactics and see if you can apply them to your own game.

5. Join a Chess Club

Joining a chess club is another excellent way to improve your game. Chess clubs provide opportunities to play against other players of varying skill levels and offer opportunities to participate in tournaments and other events. You can also learn from other players and receive guidance from more experienced members.

6. Use Chess Puzzles and Exercises

Chess puzzles and exercises can be a great way to improve your game. They help to improve your ability to recognize patterns, calculate moves, and make strategic decisions. You can find puzzles and exercises online or in books, and many chess apps offer puzzles and exercises as well.

7. Keep a Chess Journal

Keeping a chess journal can also be helpful in improving your game. You can use it to record your thoughts and ideas about the game, as well as your progress and goals. You can also use it to track your wins and losses and identify areas where you need to improve.

In conclusion, getting better at chess requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn. By studying chess theory, practicing regularly, analyzing your games, learning from strong players, joining a chess club, using chess puzzles and exercises, and keeping a chess journal, you can improve your skills and become a better player. So, get started today and enjoy the journey of becoming a better chess player!

Chess has been experiencing a surge in popularity recently, thanks in part to the COVID-19 pandemic which has forced people to find new hobbies and interests. But with increased interest comes new challenges, and a panel of experts gathered at the MIT Sloan School of Management’s annual Sports Analytics Conference to discuss some of the modern challenges facing the game.

The panel included top Grandmasters Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura, as well as Women’s Grandmaster Jennifer Shahade. They were joined by Daryl Morey, the President of basketball operations at the Philadelphia 76ers and host IM Danny Rensch, Chief Chess Officer at Chess.com.

One of the main topics of discussion was cheating in chess. Nakamura acknowledged that the issue is not going away and needs to be taken seriously by governing bodies, but also saw the silver lining in that the awareness of the issue will ultimately make the game better. Caruana spoke about how the suspicion of cheating has been festering beneath the surface in online chess for some time, even at the highest levels, but it was largely ignored by organizers. He noted that the suspicions and paranoia can significantly impact a player’s performance, as they don’t know if they’re playing against a real opponent or someone or something that will beat them no matter what.

Morey praised the chess community for eventually getting the response to the recent Magnus against Hans cheating scandal right. He emphasized that in situations where cheating is suspected, it’s important to presume innocence until guilt is proven and let the situation play out. Eventually, cheaters are discovered, as has happened in other sports with steroid and doping scandals.

The panel also discussed the future of chess, with Shahade suggesting that the game needs to be more welcoming to beginners and more inclusive overall. She believes that chess is not just for geniuses and should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or skill level. Nakamura shared his vision of a more fast-paced, action-packed version of chess, with shorter time controls and more aggressive play. He also noted that the popularity of online chess has opened up new possibilities for different formats of the game.

Overall, the panel agreed that the game of chess should be willing to adjust and adapt to new challenges and opportunities. The increased interest in the game presents a unique chance to broaden its appeal and reach new audiences, but it will require thoughtful and innovative approaches to both the game itself and its presentation.

Attention chess lovers and parents of aspiring chess players! Are you looking for an exciting and educational summer or winter camp that will sharpen your child’s chess skills? Look no further than the Chess Camp of the Rockies, brought to you by Summit School of Chess and MasterMind Chess!

Located in beautiful Colorado, this camp offers a unique opportunity for kids to learn from three National Masters who have a combined 15 Colorado State Chess Championships under their belts. With a world-class curriculum created specifically for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players, this camp is perfect for any level of chess enthusiast.

But the Chess Camp of the Rockies isn’t just about learning, it’s also about having fun! The entire camp is designed to teach important chess concepts and ideas in a fun and creative way, using games, trivia, and other activities to help students retain the information they are being given. Plus, with a student/teacher ratio of 8:1, students will receive personalized attention to help them succeed.

The camp runs from Monday, June 19th to Friday, June 23rd and Monday, July 17th to Friday, July 21st, and is being held at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Golden, Colorado. So whether you’re looking for a summer chess camp or a winter chess camp, Chess Camp of the Rockies has got you covered.

But don’t wait too long to register – this camp is limited to 50 students per session, so spaces are sure to fill up quickly. Sign up now and give your child the gift of chess mastery and a summer or winter camp experience they’ll never forget!

Looking for a camp near you? Look no further than the Chess Camp of the Rockies, located in beautiful Colorado! With a world-class curriculum and a fun and creative approach to teaching chess, this camp is perfect for kids of all skill levels. Plus, with sessions running in both the summer and winter, it’s the perfect choice for any time of year.

So if you’re looking for camps for kids in Colorado, look no further than the Chess Camp of the Rockies. And with a student/teacher ratio of 8:1 and personalized attention from three National Masters, your child is sure to leave with a newfound love and understanding of the game of chess.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity – register now and give your child the gift of chess mastery and a summer or winter camp experience they’ll never forget!

As a chess player, you may be excited to learn that chess is among the new games being added to the Olympic Esports Week lineup in 2023. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is expanding upon the success of its previous Virtual Series with Olympic Esports Week, which focuses on virtual representations of physical activities. While it may seem strange to include a board game in a virtual sports competition, chess has exploded in popularity on Twitch and other online platforms, making it a natural fit for this new event.

In the past few years, chess has undergone a resurgence, with players like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura bringing the game to a wider audience through streaming and social media. As a result, chess has become one of the most popular games on Twitch, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch grandmasters battle it out online. By including chess in the Olympic Esports Week lineup, the IOC is acknowledging the game’s growing popularity and the skill and strategy required to play at a high level.

If you’re a serious chess player, you may be wondering how the competition will be structured and what you need to do to qualify. According to the IOC, the initial qualifiers for Olympic Esports Week began on March 1st, but there may still be opportunities to qualify for the in-person event in Singapore from June 22nd to 25th. Details about the competition format and prize pool have not yet been announced, but you can stay up-to-date by following the official Olympic Esports Series website and social media channels.

Of course, some may argue that chess is not an esport, and they have a point. Esports typically refers to competitive video games played on computers or consoles, whereas chess is a board game played on a physical board. However, the line between esports and traditional sports is becoming increasingly blurred, with virtual and augmented reality technologies enabling new forms of competition. In this context, it’s not hard to see how chess could be considered an esport, as it requires many of the same skills and strategies as popular video games like League of Legends and Fortnite.

In any case, the inclusion of chess in the Olympic Esports Week lineup is a welcome development for the game and its fans. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious competitor, the opportunity to represent your country and compete on the world stage is an exciting prospect. So why not dust off your board and start practicing your opening moves? Who knows, you could be the next Olympic esports chess champion!

The Russian Chess Federation’s decision to leave the European Chess Union and join the Asian Chess Federation has stirred up controversy in the chess community. The move was approved by FIDE, the international governing body for chess, and is expected to be confirmed by the ACF at its General Assembly in Abu Dhabi on February 28.

The decision to switch to the ACF was made by a vote of 29 in favor, 1 against, and 6 abstentions. The change will take effect from May 1, 2023, if approved by the ACF. According to FIDE, a chess federation cannot be part of two continental bodies at the same time, so Russia will automatically withdraw from the ECU if its request is accepted.

The move is seen by many as a response to the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in sanctions being placed on the Russian Chess Federation by the European Chess Union. European Chess Union Vice President Malcolm Pein called the move “scandalous,” while Peter Heine Nielsen, head coach for Magnus Carlsen, criticized it as an attempt to “avoid the sanctions that have been rightfully placed upon the Russian Chess Federation.”

The decision is also controversial because Russia is one of the strongest chess federations in the world and has long been associated with European chess. However, it is worth noting that geographically, 77% of Russia’s landmass is in Asia, which makes the move justifiable in some respects.

The move will have implications for Russian chess players, who will now have to choose whether to continue playing under the Russian flag or switch to the Asian Chess Federation. FIDE has said that Russian chess players who wish to join other federations can do so immediately upon request and without incurring any fees. Players can later return to the CFR under the same conditions, FIDE added.

It remains to be seen how the move will affect the chess world as a whole, but it is clear that it will have significant implications for the Russian Chess Federation and its players. Whether this move will ultimately benefit or harm Russian chess remains to be seen.

Losing weight and playing chess might seem like two entirely unrelated activities, but there are actually ways to combine them to achieve your weight loss goals. Here are some tips on how to lose weight using chess:

Play chess while standing up

One simple way to incorporate physical activity into your chess routine is to play while standing up. Instead of sitting at a desk or table, set up your board on a counter or elevated surface and stand while you play. This will help you burn a few extra calories and improve your posture.

Play chess while walking

Another way to add some physical activity to your chess routine is to play while walking. You can either use a chess app on your phone or bring a portable chess board with you on a walk. Walking can be a low-impact form of exercise that is easy on your joints and can help you burn calories.

Limit snacking while playing chess

Many people tend to snack mindlessly while playing games or watching TV. If you want to lose weight while playing chess, it’s important to be mindful of your snacking habits. Try to limit your snacking while playing, or opt for healthy snacks like fresh fruit or vegetables.

Set goals and rewards for yourself

Setting goals and rewards for yourself can be a great motivator when it comes to weight loss. For example, you might set a goal to lose a certain amount of weight or to improve your chess rating, and then reward yourself with something you enjoy once you achieve that goal.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water can help you stay hydrated and feel full, which can help you eat less and lose weight. Make sure to have a water bottle nearby while you play chess, and take regular sips throughout your game.

In conclusion, while chess might not be the most obvious form of exercise, there are ways to incorporate physical activity and healthy habits into your chess routine to help you achieve your weight loss goals. By being mindful of your snacking habits, staying hydrated, and adding some physical activity to your chess games, you can create a more holistic approach to your weight loss journey.

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I’ve recently got into chess and I’m pretty low ranked (high-400). I started a 10min game with someone. It was a very weird game (he opened with wayward queen and I tried to defend it in a pretty unorthodox way). We got about 5-6 min into the game (19 moves) and they send me a message saying they need to leave and offer me a draw. The material was even but I didn’t want to accept because this was the game that, if I won, would’ve put me in 500. They started chatting with me and tried to convince me to take the draw. I didn’t take the draw and they called me a jerk and ended up resigning.

My only foray into games with competitive rankings like this are video games, and usually if I’m playing someone in a ranked game online and they have to leave, they forfeit. I guess I’m just worried that I made a chess faux pas for not accepting their draw. I personally don’t think I did anything wrong. I definitely could’ve been nicer during the whole exchange and I feel bad about that, but did I break any “unwritten rules”?

Playing games online is becoming more popular every day, and with that comes a set of rules and etiquette that can be different depending on the game you’re playing. Chess, being a game with a long history and tradition, also has its own set of unwritten rules and social norms.

In this particular situation, the player who messaged you was in a position where they had to leave and offered you a draw. You declined, and they tried to convince you to take the draw. When you refused, they became upset and called you a jerk.

So, did you do something wrong? The answer is not so straightforward. In chess, it is not uncommon for players to offer or accept draws in certain situations. For example, if the position is equal and neither player sees a clear path to victory, they may offer a draw to avoid playing a long, drawn-out game. However, in this case, the material was even, and you had a chance to win the game and increase your ranking.

In competitive online games, such as those you mentioned, it is common for a player who has to leave to forfeit the game. However, in chess, it is generally accepted that if a player has to leave mid-game, they can offer a draw to avoid resigning and taking a loss.

So, did you break any “unwritten rules”? Not necessarily. While it is courteous to accept a draw in certain situations, such as a position with no clear winner, it is ultimately up to the players to decide whether to accept or decline. If you felt that you had a chance to win the game, it was within your rights to decline the draw.

However, it’s important to note that the way you handle these situations can affect your reputation among other players. If you come across as rude or abrasive, other players may be less likely to want to play with you in the future. It’s always a good idea to be polite and respectful, even when declining a draw or engaging in a competitive game.

In summary, while declining a draw may not have been poor form in this situation, it’s important to remember that your actions can have an impact on how other players perceive you. Being courteous and respectful can go a long way in building a positive reputation among your fellow chess players.