---

Chess is a strategic board game with a heritage stretching back over 5,000 years, earning it the title of one of the world’s oldest and most enduring pastimes. While its roots lie in ancient India, it captivated European aristocracy and royalty during the 16th century; however, it wasn’t until the 19th century that players began to agree on standardized rules and adopt formal time controls.

Each game starts with White making the first move, followed by Black, and play alternates thereafter. The ultimate aim is to deliver checkmate—placing your opponent’s king under attack in such a way that no legal move can remove the threat—thereby winning the game.