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Chess
Questions about the game of Chess. Electronic versions of chess may be asked about here, as a second category, but would be more appropriately placed in a Video Games category.
2,793 Questions
Who was the first Indian grandmaster?
by Ismail Sloan
One of the most interesting and important personalities in chess history was Mir Sultan Khan. He was brought from India to England in 1929 by his master, a maharaja, was kept there for four years, and then was taken back to India in 1933 by his master, never to be seen by the world of chess again. During his short stay in England, Sultan Khan won the British Chess Championship, defeated former World Champion Capablanca and played first board for England during the World Chess Olympiads at Prague 1931 and at Folkestone 1933. At the same time, another servant brought by the same maharaja, a Miss Fatima, won the British Woman's Chess Championship. Sultan Khan never finished lower than fourth in any chess tournament in which he ever played. Although he always lost to William Winter (who usually finished last, in spite of defeating Sultan Khan) there is no doubt that Sultan Khan was one of the strongest chess players in the world at that time. According to the modern rating system, Sultan Khan was about 2550 in strength and was easily a grandmaster. This also means that Sultan Khan was the first ever Asian grandmaster of chess.
Sultan Khan
There is some dispute as to whether Sultan Khan was a slave or was merely a servant. Reuben Fine related that when he was a guest for dinner at the maharaja's home in England, Sultan Khan was a waiter who brought the dishes to the table. It is often said that Sultan Khan was a beginner at chess and that he learned the rules only shortly before being brought from India, but that he was a master at the Indian version of chess. However, this story does not mean much, because the Indian version of chess is almost exactly the same as Western chess, the main difference being that in Indian chess, a pawn can only move one square on the first move, not two, and, when reaching the "queening" square, the pawn becomes the piece of the file on which it promotes. In other words, if the white pawn reaches c8 or f8, it becomes a bishop. In the 1950s, there was an article in British Chess Magazine which said that Sultan Khan had been found to be an opera singer in Durban, South Africa. However, this probably was merely somebody who looked like him. According to the book by R. N. Coles, Sultan Khan lived out his life on his family plot in Pakistan, in the Sargodha district of Punjab province, surrounded by his children and great grand children, etc. and died in 1966. Coles relates that in the early 1960s, someone (I forget the name) located Sultan Khan at his home near Lahore, Pakistan and visited him there. He found Sultan Khan sitting under a tree smoking a hookah. The visitor related that Sultan Khan offered to play him a game of blindfold chess, but that the visitor "wisely declined". I would like to find out the exact location of that plot of land and of the tree. I used to visit Pakistan frequently and the next time I go there I would like to go to that exact spot. Note that while it is always said that Sultan Khan came from India, he actually came from that part of India which is now Pakistan. A friend from Pakistan informs me that anyone who smokes a hookah does not live very long. It usually contains a pungent version of tobacco, or so I am told.
Playing and learning how to play chess may be hard. I have chess lesons once a week and I observe how other people play and just follow. At the first 4-5 weeks and more I was terrible, everyone beat me in less then 10 turns. And i have been learning for about 4 months. And I am much better then I started, without learing the strategies. So learing chess is hard.
Can pawns get people out in chess if going straight?
Pawns can only capture pieces forward-diagonally on either side. If it bumps head on against another pawn, the two are stuck until another piece removes one or the opportunity to capture to the diagonals presents itself.
Can someone list all of the diagonals in chess?
Queens can go in any direction but can not use the same movement as the knight. Bishops can also move diagonally as far as they want. The Kings can move the same as queen but are only able to go one space. Sometimes pawns can move this way but only when taking out a foe.
What is algebraic system in chess?
The algebraic system in chess is the letters and numbers that run along the edge of some chess boards. It is actually called algebraic notation and is quite useful in chess. To find out more about this, you can visit http://learnplaychess.net/
Find the chess server where you can play an interactive game of chess online?
If you want to play an interactive game of chess online,I suggest that you go to www.chesscube.com to play with other people.you can also chat with other people and can watch videos.
What are the parts of a chessboard?
There are 6 parts to a chess board:
A) Top
B) Bottom
C) Four sides
Hope this clarified this somewhat for you. Playing on the bottom of a chess board is possible in some cases but playing on any of the four sides is not possible, mate.
In a game of football when is there a stalemate?
In football, a stalemate occurs when both teams are unable to score, resulting in a draw at the end of the match. This can happen if both teams have similarly matched skills or strategies, leading to a lack of goal-scoring opportunities. Additionally, if the game ends with the score tied, it is also considered a stalemate. In knockout tournaments, a stalemate may lead to extra time or a penalty shootout to determine a winner.
How many games did bobby fischer win?
Bobby Fischer won a total of 1,786 tournament games throughout his chess career. He is renowned for his exceptional performance in various tournaments, particularly his victory in the 1972 World Chess Championship against Boris Spassky, which made him the World Champion. Fischer's games are highly regarded for their creativity and depth, contributing significantly to chess literature and strategy.
What is the average range of the height of chess pieces?
The average height of chess pieces varies depending on the style and design, but typically, standard tournament chess pieces range from about 3 to 4.5 inches tall. The king is usually the tallest piece, often around 3.5 to 4 inches, while pawns are generally around 2 to 3 inches. Different chess sets may have unique proportions, but these measurements are common for traditional wooden and plastic sets.
What size are standard chess pieces?
base to tip Base Base Base to tip
Length(mm) width(mm) thickness(mm) slope(degree)
King 32 28.7 9.7 81
Rook, Bishop 31 27.7 9.3 81
Gold, Silver 30 26.7 8.8 81
Knight 29 25.5 8.3 81
Lance 28 23.5 8.0 81
Pawn 27 22.5 7.75 81
THIS IS NOT A RULE, This is a rough average and varies depending on craftsman and personal taste.
How many countries are participate chess in school worldwide?
As of recent reports, over 100 countries participate in chess in schools programs worldwide. These initiatives aim to promote chess as an educational tool, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. The popularity of chess in education has been growing, with many national and international organizations supporting its integration into school curricula.
How much is an eight fairies chess set worth?
The value of an eight fairies chess set can vary widely based on factors such as craftsmanship, materials used, and the brand. Typically, such sets can range from around $100 to several thousand dollars for high-end or artisan versions. Collectible or limited edition sets may command even higher prices in the market. It's advisable to check recent sales or consult with a specialist for a more accurate valuation.
What is one quality you need to have to play chess?
Chess is a two-player board game played on a chessboard, a square-checkered board with 64 squares arranged in an eight-by-eight grid. Each player begins the game with sixteen pieces: one king, one queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns. The object of the game is to checkmate the opponent's king, whereby the king is under immediate attack (in "check") and there is no way to remove or defend it from attack on the next move.
What is the value of a Franklin Mint Battle of Waterloo chess set with table?
One set went for auction in June 2008 for £20-30 per this ad: The Waterloo Museum "Battle of Waterloo Chess Set" by Franklin Mint, with boxed set of identification leaflets. Figures are excellent to near mint, board has a few minor chips to edges.
What was chess called in the past?
In the past, chess was known by various names, depending on the region and culture. The game is believed to have originated from an ancient Indian game called "Chaturanga," which means "four divisions of the military." It later evolved into "Shah Mat" in Persia, which translates to "the king is dead," reflecting the game's objective. As it spread through the Islamic world and into Europe, it retained variations of these names before becoming known simply as chess.
What is unique about the way Jane Gallagher used to play chess?
Jane Gallagher, a character from J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye," is noted for her unconventional approach to chess. She played with a distinctive style, often using her pieces in a way that reflected her personality—intuitive and creative rather than strictly strategic. Additionally, she would sometimes make moves based on her feelings or whims rather than conventional tactics, showcasing her individuality and depth. This unique approach symbolizes her broader outlook on life, emphasizing spontaneity and emotional connection over rigid rules.
What do you call the chess field?
The chess field is commonly referred to as the "chessboard." It consists of 64 squares arranged in an 8x8 grid, alternating in color between light and dark squares. The chessboard is where the game is played, with pieces placed on the squares according to specific rules.
Who is the father of chess game?
Steinitz is considered the Father of Modern Chess because he is the first chess master who understood that the game has certain barriers to creativity which, in turn, led to the development of chess logic and methods. i hope this is right
Who said after game king and pawn go in same box?
The phrase "When the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box" is attributed to Italian philosopher and chess player Italian Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen. It reflects the idea that, regardless of status or power, all pieces in life are ultimately equal in death or in the end. This quote emphasizes humility and the transient nature of success and power.
Female chess grandmaster Judit Polgár is 40 years old (birthdate: July 23, 1976).
