National Chess Day

National Chess Day is a special holiday on the second Saturday in October every year. It was established in 1976 by the 38th President of the United States, Gerald Rudolph Ford, who was an avid chess player and believed that chess was beneficial to the brain. On this day, professionals and amateurs come together to celebrate the oldest intellectual game on earth.

History

The roots of the game of chess can be traced back to ancient India, where it was known as Chaturanga. It was originally played by four players, with each player representing one of four divisions of the military. The moves were determined by the roll of dice. It is believed that Chaturanga developed into the modern game of chess sometime in the 6th century AD.

Paul Morphy is one of the most famous chess players in history. He achieved fame by defeating Adolf Anderssen, the European champion, in a difficult match.

Interesting facts

• Chess is one of the most popular strategy games in the world.
• In the Middle Ages, chess pieces were often represented by exotic figures such as riders and dragons.
• In ancient India, losing a game of chess could result in the amputation of a finger.
• Chess was first mentioned in American history in 1641.
• According to one Belgian institute, chess is the most stressful occupation.

How to take part

If you’re new to the game, National Chess Day is the perfect opportunity to get started! You can read books by famous authors, watch documentaries, or even find a professional to teach you the basics. You can also attend chess competitions and simply watch from the sidelines.

When is National Chess Day in 2024?

National Chess Day is observed on the second Saturday in October each year.

Observations