Indoor Recreational Activities

Chess
Brief History
This game is originated in India in 15th century. A game reserved only for kings and members
of the upper classes. The modern design of chess pieces bears the name Staunton, who was an
English master in mid-1800s. These are the type of pieces that are now used in all tournaments
worldwide.
It was in 1851 in London Tourney the first international chess tournament happened. Adolf
Anderssen won the game. He became the unofficial best chess player of the world because he
did not received any award or title.
Paul Morphy is the first great American- born chess player. He travelled to Europe in the
1850’s where he beat all challengers including Adolf Anderssen but he never became a word
chess champion because Staunton which is the English chess champion at that time refused to
play with him.
Steinitz won the first official championship chess tournament on 1866 in London with sand
clocks. He became the first official chess champion holding the title until 1894.
Benefits of playing chess
1. Chess increases the mathematical and scientific skills of the students.
2. It develops a sense of confidence and self-worth of a student.
3. It also improves communication skills.
4. It gives a lesson on hard work and commitment
5. Chess provides entertainment and relaxation.
6. It is a form of recreational therapy. It keeps mind healthy.
7. It can strength family relationship.
Moves and role of it’s piece
1. King – it is also considered as one of the important chess piece; however it is also one of
the weakest. It moves on square in any direction.
2. Queen – is the most powerful piece. It moves in any one straight directions.
3. Rook – it moves to any square as far as it wants but only forward or backward and to the
sides.
4. Bishop – may move as far as it wants but only diagonally. Each bishop will start on one
color (light or Black) and must always stay in that color.
5. Knight – moves by going two squares in one direction, then one more move just like an
L shape.
6. Pawn – it moves forward and captures diagonally. It can never move backwards.