What is Chess?
Chess is a two-player strategy board game played on an 8x8 grid of 64 squares. Each player commands an army of 16 pieces — pawns, rooks, knights, bishops, a queen, and a king — with the objective of checkmating the opponent’s king.
Originating over a thousand years ago, chess has evolved into a global game with millions of casual players and a highly competitive professional scene. It’s a blend of tactics, long-term planning, and psychological play, making it both challenging and endlessly engaging.
Why Try Chess?
Chess is a mental workout that develops critical thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills. It’s a hobby you can enjoy for a lifetime, with endless opportunities to learn and improve.
It’s also highly accessible — you can play in person with a simple board, online against opponents worldwide, or against computer programs at any skill level. Whether you prefer a casual game or competitive tournaments, chess fits your pace.
Who Will Enjoy It
Chess is perfect for:
- People who enjoy strategic and logical thinking
- Those seeking a competitive but non-physical challenge
- Students wanting to sharpen focus and memory
- Anyone who likes games with infinite depth and replayability
It suits all ages and can be played almost anywhere.
How to Get Started
Learn the rules, piece movements, and basic checkmating patterns. Practice short tactical puzzles to sharpen your skills, and play regularly to develop opening, middlegame, and endgame strategies.
You can start with a physical chess set or use online platforms for guided learning and play. Don’t worry about losing — every game is a lesson that helps you improve.
Essential Gear & Materials
- Chess Set – Standard board and pieces.
- Chess Clock (optional) – For timed games.
- Scorebook (optional) – To record games for review.
- Online Chess Apps – For practice and puzzles.
Books & Learning Resources
- Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess by Bobby Fischer – Beginner tactics and principles.
- My System by Aron Nimzowitsch – Classic positional strategy.
- The Complete Chess Course by Fred Reinfeld – Comprehensive overview.
- Chess.com & Lichess.org – Play, study, and solve puzzles online.
Tips for Success
- Control the center of the board early.
- Develop all your pieces before attacking.
- Protect your king with early castling.
- Review your games to spot mistakes.
- Practice puzzles daily to sharpen tactics.
Communities & Events
- r/chess – Discussion, puzzles, and news.
- Local chess clubs – In-person games and tournaments.
- School teams – Youth training and competition.
- International tournaments – Watch grandmasters in action.
Related Hobbies
- Checkers – Simpler grid-based strategy.
- Go – Ancient abstract board game.
- Poker – Strategic and psychological gameplay.
- Bridge – Partnership-based strategy with cards.
- Sudoku – Logic-based puzzle solving.