Chess
When I was a little girl, my father would sit my brother and me down at the table and teach us how to play chess effectively. It was an important family tradition that would come to shape my entire life.
But what exactly is chess and why is it important to learn it in this day and age?
Before we talk about that, let’s cover the origins of chess. No one really knows just how old chess is. What we do know is that a variation of the game was played in India about 1,500 years ago. Back then, the game was called Chaturanga. This translates to the four sections of an army - elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers. This core element of the game makes it a unique and timeless classic. But why is this relevant?
Today’s modern version of chess can teach you very valuable skills, such as:
- How to problem solve
- The value of patience and focus
- Unlocking your ability to think creatively
- Greater self confidence
While chess adapted over time, the main objective has always remained constant: to checkmate, or capture, the opponent’s King.
How to play: Chess is played on a large square board divided into 64 smaller squares that alternate between light and dark. They are called white and black squares. The board must be placed so that each player has a white square in the corner next to their right hand.
Each player has 8 types of pieces: 1 King, 1 Queen, 2 Bishops, 2 Rooks, 2 Knights, and 8 Pawns: a total of 16 pieces on each side.
The King can move one square in any direction--forwards, backwards, sideways or diagonally. The King doesn’t have a point value because if the King is lost, the game is over.
The Queen can move in any direction--forwards, backwards, sideways or diagonally--and for as many squares as the chessboard contains, provided that there is nothing in her way. The Queen has a value of nine points.
The Bishops stand besides their Kings and Queens. The Bishops move diagonally, backwards or forwards for any number of squares, provided that there is nothing in their way. The Bishops have a value of three points.
The Rooks move straight up and down, or from side to side, for any number of squares providing that nothing is in their way. Each player starts with two rooks, one on each corner of the board. The Rooks have a value of five points.
The Knights look like horses. They move in the shape of an L. The Knights move two squares back and forward then one square to the side. They have a value of three points.
The Pawns are the foot soldiers of your army. They only move forward, never backwards. On its first move a Pawn can go forward either one or two squares. Pawns have a value of one point.
The most basic rule of chess involves the movement of the pieces. White always makes the first move.
To learn more, you can watch our YouTube video: Chess 101 with Miss Julia, Reference Librarian at the Lawrence Branch of the Mercer County Library System.
The Mercer County Library System has many books about chess: just check the call number 794.1 and the books below. It won’t be long before you say, checkmate!
Chess for Juniors: A Complete Guide for the Beginner by Robert M. Snyder
Introduces the pieces, rules, opening moves, and the basic strategy of chess.
Chess for Children by Ted Nottingham
Uses the revolutionary Lincolnshire system to explain how to play, enjoy, and master chess and recounts anecdotes about notable players in the history of the game.
Explains the aims, rules, tactics and winning moves of chess through simple text, diagrams and illustrations.
"Whether you're a complete beginner or a more experienced player looking to improve your game, this step-by-step guide will help you play like a champion. Plan your moves with amazing 3-D illustrations. Discover tactics and strategies that will add firepower to your attack and strengthen your defense. Learn tips and techniques to improve your skills and solve the toughest of chess challenges. Includes practice chessboard and press-out pieces, so you can play as you learn.
How to Beat Your Dad at Chess by Murray Chandler
This is a chess book for everyone, from eight to eighty, beginner to master. In a clear, easy-to-follow format it explains the best way to beat a stronger opponent (be it a friend, clubmate – or Dad!) by cleverly forcing checkmate. Delightful and instructive positions from real games are used to show the 50 Deadly Checkmates that chess masters use to win their games.
Complete Book of Beginning Chess by Raymond D. Keene
Learn how to play chess and obtain a deeper understanding of the game in this comprehensive step-by-step course.
Chess is Child's Play: Teaching Techniques That Work by Laura Sherman
Chess is Child's Play teaches parents how to teach their young children (ages 2-7) to play chess. Laura Sherman and Bill Kilpatrick have created a simple step-by-step system that any parent can follow. Whether the parents know how to play chess or not, they can learn to teach their children through this book. Chess is an important part of a child's education. It gives them many valuable life skills, such as an increased ability to solve problems, be patient, develop self-confidence, and think logically. Teach your child to play today!
Get into Chess by Rachel Stuckey
Chess is one of the most popular and challenging strategy games of all time! This title covers the rules, pieces, moves, and strategies. Step-by-step photos bring matches to life and connect readers to the instructions.
Chess: From First Moves to Checkmate by Daniel King
Introduces the rules and strategies of chess, as well as its history and some of the great players and matches.
365 Chess Master Lessons: Take One a Day to be a Better Chess Player by Andy Soltis
Increase your chess knowledge within a year! In this incredibly useful book, renowned grandmaster and well-loved chess author Andrew Soltis analyzes 365 key chess games, one for every day of the year -perfect for players who would like to reach the next level of skill but don't have the time devote hours and hours each day to study.
- by Chetna Kukreja, Ewing Branch
Comments
Post a Comment