World Chess Day 2023, History, Dates and Celebrates

World Chess Day 2023

To celebrate the founding of the FIDE, or World Chess Federation, in 1924, the 20th of July is observed annually as World Chess Day. Over 600 million regular chess players around the world observe the day, which is also known as International Chess Day. The game of chess is thought to have originated in India, where it was known as “Chaturanga,” and is thought to be as old as 1500 years.  To honour the International Chess Federation (FIDE)’s foundation in 1924, World Chess Day is observed on July 20 every year. The goal of this day is to raise awareness of the game of chess and its numerous advantages among chess players and lovers worldwide.

Chess is a two-player strategic game that has been played for more than 1,500 years and is renowned for enhancing memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities. Everyone may play chess, regardless of age or background, and it is commonly regarded as a sport that encourages intellectual growth and social skills.

The World Chess Day is organised in large part by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). They encourag member nations to plan chess-related activities and advertise the sport in their neighbourhoods. Additionally, FIDE honours the world’s top chess players by conferring titles like Grandmaster and International Master upon individuals who have shown remarkable talent in the game.

World Chess Day 2023 Background

Chess is a two-player strategy board game in which the goal is to move various types of playing pieces around a board made up of checkered squares while attempting to capture the opponent’s “king” piece. Over 2,000 distinct variations of the game exist today. According to one version, the early chess-like game Chaturanga first appeared in Northern India Subcontinent during the Gupta dynasty (319–543 CE), and it then moved via the Silk Roads to Persia.

While it is thought that the word “Chess” came from the Sanskrit word “Chaturanga,” which means “four divisions,” it is unclear whether this refers to the division of the playing pieces into infantry, cavalry, elephantry, and chariotry (pieces that in the modern game became the pawn, knight, bishop, and rook) or to the fact that the game was played between four players. When the game first came in Sassanid Persia in the early sixth century CE, it was known as Chatrang and then Shatranj. The game is first mentioned in a Persian document from around 600 CE, when it is mentioned that an Indian ambassador visited King Khosrow I (531–579 CE) and gave him the game as a gift. It then extended along the Silk Road to further areas, such as the Arabian Peninsula and Byzantium.

Al-Suli and al-Lajlaj, two Abbasid chess masters, wrote works on the game’s tactics and strategy about 900 CE. By 1000 CE, Chess had spread throughout Europe and reached Russia after being brought there from the Eurasian Steppe. Chess is described as having many similarities to Persian Shatranj in terms of rules and gameplay in the Alfonso manuscripts, also known as the Libro de los Juegos (Book of Games), a mediaeval collection of literature on three different types of well-known games from the 13th century CE.

To commemorate the day the International Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded in Paris in 1924, the General Assembly declared 20 July to be World Chess Day on 12 December 2018. Since 1966, chess players all over the world have celebrated July 20 as International Chess Day at FIDE’s request.

The UN’s declaration of World Chess Day will not only acknowledge the significant contribution made by the FIDE to fostering international chess cooperation and enhancing friendly relations among all peoples of the world, but it will also serve as an important forum for promoting dialogue, solidarity, and a culture of peace.

World Chess Day Significance

The purpose of World Chess Day is to promote the game of chess as a vehicle for intellectual growth, cross-cultural dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. Chess is more than simply a game; it’s a mental exercise that improves decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities. It is a universal game that crosses linguistic and cultural barriers because it can be played by people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

• World Chess Day commemorates the International Chess Federation’s (FIDE) establishment and honours its efforts to chess promotion globally.
• FIDE is in charge of standardising chess rules, planning international competitions, and recognising champions.
• Chess has affected human civilization, including literature, art, and music, and has been played by individuals from all walks of life for more than 1,500 years. It is regarded as a sign of intellectual superiority.
• The principles of harmony, cooperation, and respect for others are promoted by World Chess Day.
• Chess events bring together players from many nationalities and cultures, promoting international understanding.
• Chess is a crucial tool for fostering peaceful coexistence and understanding between groups of people and across borders.

World Chess Day 2023: How to Celebrate?

There are many different ways to celebrate International Chess Day. Here are a few ideas:

• Play a friendly game of chess with a friend or member of your family. This is a terrific way to introduce someone new to the game.
• Go to a chess tournament: This is a fantastic way to watch some of the world’s top chess players compete.
• Enrol in a chess class: This is an excellent way to broaden your knowledge of the game, hone your skills, and make new chess friends.
• Volunteer at a chess club or organisation: This is a wonderful opportunity to support the chess community while also encouraging others to pick up the game and enjoy it.
• Chess is an incredibly old game, and there is a lot of fascinating history to learn about it..
• Play chess online: You may play chess with players from around the world on a variety of websites and mobile apps.

World Chess Day 2023: Benefits of playing chess

• Enhances cognitive abilities. Your memory, problem-solving abilities, and focus can all be enhanced by playing chess.
• Encourages strategic thought. Chess forces you to plan several moves in advance, which helps improve your strategic thinking abilities.
• Teaches focus and discipline. Even when things are not going your way, you must remain focused on the game and disciplined while playing chess.
• Supports inventiveness. Chess may be played in a variety of ways, so you’ll need to use your imagination to come up with the greatest strategies.
• Is an entertaining and difficult game. Chess is a terrific game to play to unwind and have fun, but it can also be difficult and keep you on your toes.

World Chess Day 2023: Important facts for UPSC

• International Chess Federation  Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland;
• International Chess Federation President: Arkady Dvorkovich.

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