The origins of chess can be traced back to ancient India, where a game called Chaturanga was played around the 6th century AD. From there, the game spread to Persia and then to the Islamic world and Europe, where it evolved into the modern version of chess we know today. The rules of the game were standardized in the 15thcentury, and since then, chess has become one of the most popular and widely played games in the world.

I have played chess for more than 25 years (not particularly well have you) and have marveled at the complexity of the game. The number of chess variables that can occur in any game has been estimated to 10^50. This number is almost impossible to comprehend, and is much greater than the number of atoms in the observable universe. It’s worth noting that although there are infinite numbers of permutations that could occur in a game, most never do, as they involve highly improbable sequence of moves, but they could happen if the right two players were on opposing sides of the board. This means, almost everything is available at any moment it just takes two people willing to explore this unknown territory. Chess is called, “The Game of Kings.” Many attribute this to the fact that the game was played by royalty and nobility throughout history, while some take the more simplistic viewpoint that because the central theme of the game revolves around the “king piece,” it is therefore referred to as “The Game of Kings.” I believe because the game itself is regal, it can only be referred to as, “The Game of Kings.” Chess is a metaphor for life.

Battle chess game of kings background