Chess · History
How Chess began and how its rules changed, in a short timeline — then try it yourself in the lessons and practice pages.
~600
Early roots in India
Chaturanga is commonly treated as an early ancestor, spreading through Persia and the Islamic world. The exact invention date and location remain debated.
1851
The Immortal Game: initiative and king safety
Anderssen’s celebrated game with Kieseritzky is known for its sacrifices. Study development and the king’s defences before judging whether sacrifices create forcing threats; giving material away is not a virtue by itself.