What is chess? – Is it a sport played for just fun and entertainment? Is it an art that evokes creativity and imagination? Or is it a science that involves research and problem solving?
For each of the above questions, one can find answers in the game of chess and this is the unique feature of this game that makes it the King of Games.
It is no wonder that the game of chess has lasted centuries and is still gaining popularity in this world of technological advancement and innovation. The greatest challenge to the computer engineers is to create a viable algorithm that can find solutions to the problems compounded by the game. Online chess is the new buzzword in the world of chess, which has successfully achieved the mission of taking the game to the masses. Learning the game and playing it at will at the convenience of sitting at home in front of the computer is now possible through Online Chess.
Chess is a sport – played for fun, excitement and relaxation. The element of competition, which determines whether an activity is a sport or not – is found in the game of chess. The urge to win, to excel and win laurels is very much there in Chess and World Championships are being held for this professional game since the 1900s. Chess, in this context, is definitely a sport. Some may lament that there is no physical activity in the game of chess as one need to spend hours in front of the stale square board containing 64 squares of alternate color. The game of chess involves activity in the form of serious and logical thinking, concentration, analysis and decision-making. It has been found that the amount of calories burnt by a player playing serious chess game is similar to the one burnt by a football player in a match at the ground. The mental activity and the aerobic exercises to the brain lead to the burning of calories and hence chess involves physical activity as well apart from the competitive spirit.
Chess is an art. The game, played for more than 15 centuries now, has been still fascinating the minds of the people because no two games are alike and does not yield the same result. Why and how is it possible? Well. Chess involves the art of creativity and imagination. In order to gain control over the opponent, out-of-the-box thinking is required. New ways of approaching the problem on hand and creating new strategies and tactics are the hallmark of an experienced player. Thus, chess evokes the creativity in you – such as the creativity of painting and poetry. The pleasure you will find in trying out new imaginative ideas and successfully implementing over the opponent is inexplainable, and can only be felt.
Chess is a science. The game presents innumerable challenges and requires problem solving and analytical skills, akin to the problem solving techniques used in scientific theory and mathematical problems. Chess follows a set series of activities – opening game, middle game and the endgame – in that order. A number of theorems have been formulated at every stage of the game for successful attack and counter-attack. These theorems have been tested and proved to have yielded the desired results in most of the cases. In that angle, especially theorems and problem solving capabilities, the game of chess is a science in its own right and deserves a pride place for research and innovation.
If one were to entwine all the facets of chess, as a sport, as an art and as a science, one will be surprised to find that chess is nothing but a miniature of life. All the three aspects or art, science and sport are found in a person’s life. The challenges to the life are also innumerable and how you approach the problems depends on the number of mistakes you make at every stage. If you do not make mistakes, then you will lead a better life. Similarly, in the game of chess, if you do not make mistakes and seize the opportunities, you will succeed.
Thus, chess is life and life is chess. Let us learn chess and play chess regular, to succeed in our life.