If Chess Were Illegal, Would People Still Play It?

One of the trendiest board games today originated within Europe a few centuries ago. The game knows no boundaries. Young and old alike can play it. It’s a crowd drawer in local and national tournaments. Royal members love it, and so does the ordinary man of the street. The game..? Chess, obviously!

Ancient Europe gave us a lasting legacy in the field of board games. This game is played and enjoyed by people of all ages from every belief and country, offering fun for kids and mental stimulation for senior citizens. It’s a social magnet in local and national tournaments. The elite love it, and so does the common man. The game..? You got it. Chess!

Even in the music scene, arts and literature, its popularity knows no bounds. Media packages it like a god, literature has brought it forward and you will see glimpses of it everywhere you look: online, in books and in news dailies. So powerful that its signature has become a figure of speech in the English language…checkmate.

The Media:

A broad media collection on chess exists. Authors of “who dunnits” discuss the game, using the mind game strategies, and sharp analysis used by chess gurus as a basis for story plots. In fact, “chess” is a buzz word which marketers are fond of using. You see, the term has become quite as attractive as the term “free” that you see in very enticing ads.  

The name “chess” has a romantic charm to it. The popularity of chess has penetrated religion too. Preachers liken the match to the battle between dark and light. It really is not astonishing that its aficionados almost seem like rock fans!

Performing Arts:

A number of individuals are drawn to the board game because they find chess a dramatic masterpiece; the game involves turn taking. Players follow an order, an arrangement that is somewhat like giving and taking. Behind this façade of being systematic, the real drama rests within each player, who must stay focused on the game at all times. The main piece, the king, enjoys the undivided protection and attention of his subjects. Otherwise, when he falls, it’s game over.

Chess is portrayed through the medium of music and ballet and free form dancing. The dance moves and musical accompaniment depicts the game plans, and these battles take place as the game is played out on the board.

Art:

Soft or hard copies of artistic pieces sometimes include images of the genuine thing. Often the pieces, queens, bishops, knights and pawns are depicted in oil paintings, in stark ebony and ivory squares, against medieval backgrounds, flags, buntings and ladies and gentlemen bedecked in their finery surrounding the board, despite the fact that the game is really for just two people.

In the British Museum in London, there is a wonderful display of finely carved and gorgeous chess pieces made of ivory. These ancient, priceless pieces are all rich in detail and impressive in workmanship. The pieces are believed to originate from Turkey in the 7th century.

There was a time when authentic ivory chess sets were almost as common as porcelain or wood, but today such sets are rare and worth hundreds if not thousands of dollars. If you have one (check the attic) call your insurance company immediately!

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