19 May 2010    The Perfect Father’s Day Gift – A Chess Set Father’s Day will soon be here and one of the choices that you might have considered is a Chess Set. If you are an experienced chess aficionado choosing the right set might not be such a big deal. However, if you are not a chess player yourself the thought of buying a set might be daunting. The intent of this article is to give you some insights into the things you need to consider.   21 Feb 2010    The Chess Marketplace: Consider Alabaster When shopping around for chess sets or individual chess pieces, one runs into a plethora of options. One of the great variations is that of the material from which chess pieces are made. One can choose from plastic, metal, wood, marble, or alabaster. While each have their advantages and disadvantages, some of the most stunning and elegant are made of alabaster, also known as gypsum, a soft hydrous sulfate of calcium.   6 Feb 2010    Short History of Chess: WWI – 2010 Chess emerged from World War I much like the majority of soldiers—significantly and obviously changed. The interwar years saw haphazard development thanks to the leading players of the 1920s and 1930s, who were still acting as individuals wholly unrestricted by overriding professional organizations. This would change, however, as the Federation Internationale des Eches (FIDE), established in 1924, took greater control of international competition and regulation. The Cold War era saw the rise of Soviet dominance in the chess world, until American Bobby Fischer arrived on the scene in the 1960s. Altogether, the 20th century saw the codification of rules and regulations as well as greater expansion of chess into hitherto peripheral areas, a trend that has carried through into the 21st century.   25 Jan 2010    Short History of Chess III: 1800 - WWI The 19th and early 20th centuries saw relatively rapid change in the game of chess. It was still a game for an educated minority, but there was a higher European population than ever before, and more people were educated that at any previous time in history. Additionally, chess play moved from the club scene to broader tournaments, resulting in professionalization and famous players. Coinciding with and contributing to the rise of tournament play was the proliferation of chess media, as well as a need for standardization of rules. By the time war broke out in 1914, chess had become an international game much resembling today’s sport.   16 Jan 2010    Short History of Chess II: 1500 – 1800 The period between 1500 and 1800 A.D. saw significant developments in the game of chess as well as a new phenomenon—the rise of chess celebrities. Beginning in lower Europe and gradually moving north toward England, chess gained popularity while undergoing alterations to its rules, meaning a new chess was born after the end of the Middle Ages. The 1700s saw chess shift from aristocratic pastime to intellectual preoccupation, meaning its former fan base was lost while a new, wider one was found. By the time 1800 arrived, chess had become a new game with its stars, heated competition, and canonical technical literature, and was far more difficult and moderately different that its medieval manifestation.   8 Jan 2010    Short History of Chess: From Eastern Origins to Medieval Europe The history of chess is as complex as the game's rules and strategy themselves. While there are no definitive origins of chess - for example who, where, which particular year, as they all relate to invention - there is adequate historical evidence available to narrow down to a general time frame of its first appearances. Originating in the east and gradually spreading westward, following the historical arc of military and monarchical domination, chess began as a game reflecting the art of war but eventually evolved into one symbolic of European class structures by the end of the medieval age.   14 Mar 2009    Seeing the Chess Board One of the challenges of learning chess is learning how to quickly size up what's happening in the game and then reacting accordingly. The rules of Chess are rather easy to learn. Playing well is quite another thing and being able to "see the board" is a skill that must be acquired. As a wannabe chess player I know this all too well.   31 Jan 2009    The Lure of Chess I do believe that part of the lure of chess is that we believe that playing the game says something good about us. It's implied that if you're a chess player you are a thinker, clever and mentally nimble. You think through your moves. No hasty or impetuous actions here.