Enjoy Chess Online

By: Mike Hirn

With the emergence of the Internet, chess has left its pristine physical domain and logged on to a highly popular online, virtual form. The Internet enables chess players to play real time chess with players from all over the world. Chess games are hosted over the Internet on special chess servers. Users download the game, which comes with special, easy-to-install software that allows users to play and chat with other players from distant locations. Java-enabled websites are also available in which a Java enabled browser is used.

There are many sites that offer a large variety of chess games. Chess servers like the Internet Chess Club (ICC) and the Free Internet Chess Server (FICS) are available to help you play online chess.

The “Internet Chess Club” (ICC) is one of the best environments for online games, as the interface is extremely easy to use. The Free Internet Chess Server (FICS), as the name suggests, is a free chess server like the ICC and “Chess” (net). It requires a player to download a graphical interface like CClient, Winboard or Slics.

Internet chess games are also available at “Chess”. “Chess” has features similar to ICC and FICS with its own graphical interface that must be purchased. Because of the cost involved, “Chess” is less popular than its free counterparts.

Playsite is another site for online chess games. It has multiple games that require a Java enabled browser. Downloading the Java component usually takes time, but this time can be cut down by using a Castanet Tuner. The Castanet Tuner downloads all the codes and graphics from Playsite the first time around, so that in future sessions players only have to download the updates. Over the years many Internet chess servers have been created, including ChessLive, ChessAnyTime, and the World Chess Network.

There are two ways to play chess on the Internet. One way is for players to play a real-time game with another online player. Real-time games have to be completed within a specific timeframe. The other method is to play an opponent who is not online at the same time. With this option, there is no time limit. A player has complete control over the game. Players can chat and study their games in detail, and can also play multiple games simultaneously.

Whichever way you prefer to play, playing online can be a challenge and a way to improve your game. What better way to see how your game stacks up compared to the rest of the world.

About the Author

Learn chess opening moves and other chess tips for beginners and experts that will bring your game to a whole new level at http://www.chessmovespro.com

(ArticlesBase SC #371200)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Internet Chess: Chess Meets the Internet

By: Ann Wamack

Mastering the moves of the chess pieces is only a small part of the game. Children as young as five have the cognitive development, the eye-hand coordination and the dexterity to be able to move the six different pieces around the chess board properly. However, becoming skilled at the strategies for winning at chess requires a great deal more.

Certainly, the first capabilities tested are the abilities to concentrate and analyze. Any lapse in concentration or failure to correctly analyze the situation on the chess board will most likely result in a loss. All chess players experience losses, even the grandmasters of the game, so players also learn the consequences of their decisions, and to win and lose gracefully.

There are more talents exercised through playing chess than just these first obvious few. Studies conducted over the past thirty years have been discovering that playing chess affects a number of aptitudes; from spatial relationships to persistence and focus, exercising both numerical and verbal skills, all working together when playing chess. A 1992 study in New Brunswick, Canada found that primary school children showed significant improvement in their problem solving skills when chess was added to their regular mathematics curriculum. Other studies, from Venezuela to Zaire, have found improvements in students’ memories and increased IQ scores among teenagers who play chess regularly.

The benefits of playing chess are not confined to school age children. In this Information Age, we are all bombarded continuously with incoming information of all types from many sources, some more credible than others. Data that used to take substantial commitments of time and specialized skill to dig out is now available in a fraction of a second from an Internet search on a home computer. The ability to analyze and manage multiple considerations is a skill that can make the difference between responding with agility to new situations and becoming paralyzed with information overload. These torrents of information, whether the subject is managing your business or monitoring family health options, must be met with critical thinking to sort out the useful information from the spurious. Then, the new data needs to be adapted into our current plan, as appropriate. Nowhere are these skills (critical thinking, analysis, managing multiple considerations, adapting to new data, decision making, and planning / thinking ahead) better honed than from engaging in regular games of chess.

After all is said, chess is a game. In addition to exercising these many abilities and skills, chess is still a moment of sportsmanship and recreation. Playing games with people provides opportunities to develop social bonds and offers a diversion from the stresses of the day. With so many benefits, it’s easy to understand why chess is increasing in popularity. For years, people have associated playing chess with smart people. Now, the evidence is suggesting that playing the game of chess is not attracting smart people so much as it is contributing significantly to the abilities and skills of the people who participate in playing chess on a regular basis.

About the Author

Ann Wamack is a freelance writer for Chess Right Chess Store. The website at www.chessright.com offers traditional and decorative chess sets, as well as chess boards and other chess equipment for sale. Keep playing chess!

(ArticlesBase SC #667727)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Do Smart People Play Chess? or Does Playing Chess Make People Smart?

Author: Bobby Levy

If you are about to purchase a chess set there are many different choices to choose from. If that is set to decide whether to choose a chess during the configuration or set of decorative and practical one, you or one that appears when you want to buy one you want to travel. The options are numerous despite the fact that choosing a chess block along with one needs to see what suits their needs the most. One needs to follow a number of tips when they go to acquire a chess block.The first thing that one needs to evaluate when choosing a chess block is the intent for which they are buying the set. One needs to elect if they want to put the block as a decorative piece in the house or it is one that they want to take along with themselves when they travel. What is the budget that one has set aside to buy the chess set and the next thing that has to be decided is that while choosing a chess set. There are a few sets available which are durable as well as pass through generations. One can have a block which they might use regularly or one which does not take much space so which could be carried when travelling. Reveal sets are generally pricey seeing the material that they are made of. The price will depend on what the intent is plus additionally within the material of the set.For how long you want to use the set as this is important when choosing a chess set and another aspect that needs to be seen is that A block that is used regularly ought to be of a durable material. If a block has to be taken for numerous travels the block will differ from the one that you only want to take for one holiday. Depending on the usage one needs to evaluate the material which will additionally influence the price of the block.Although choosing a chess set one needs to see if one buys a wood block they must ensure the quality of the wood the set is made of is of highest quality as you will spend a giant amount for it. There are choices available in other materials furthermore and one needs to see that the price paid for is in accordance with the quality of the materials. While choosing a chess set one must keep in mind that one must not choose small boards or small sets as they may make playing an ordeal task. Small pieces contain more chances of getting lost which spoils the block along with it becomes a waste. One can follow these simple tips when they pick a chess block. With these ideas along with tips one can surely acquire a perfect set for them which suit their budget and furthermore their requirements. When one is clear of what they want exactly the choice becomes much easier and one will not need to spend long hours when choosing a chess set.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/board-games-articles/these-are-the-ideas-for-selecting-a-chess-set-1783969.html

About the AuthorFor free information and advice on purchasing a chess set, please visit my simple site and resource: lord of the rings chess set

Author: J.B. DeWilde

If you want to try something new and are new to chess, no problem. Chess is a game of skill and everyone can learn to play chess reasonably well, and, in time, you can find someone you can play against at your level. Chess basics, such as the chess pieces and the fundamental moves for chess games, are not hard to learn and can be learned from books, online information and exercises.

Chess is a board game for two players and once you get chessmen and board, learn some basics, then you can search for some friendly competition. If you look around, you may find a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or a co-worker who plays chess. If not, there are certainly various ways to find other players to practice with such as: local chess clubs in the community or schools; computer chess software; or internet chess. You can even find chess games at local chess hangouts such as at coffee shops or book stores (eg., Borders Books) which may be advertised locally on Craigslist or elsewhere online. Some libraries have a chess club on Saturdays to learn and practice chess games during the year. Occasionally, there are community education programs available to learn and play chess. Playing chess games against someone who is at or just above your skill level is one of the best ways to advance your interest and learning of chess.

The library or bookstore can yield some good books for the basic rules, moves and tactics. There is a series of books by Yasser Seirawan for learning chess such as: Play Winning Chess (easiest one), Winning Chess Tactics, Winning Chess Openings, and others in the series. Also, there are: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Chess by Patrick Wolff; Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess by Bobby Fischer; Beginning Chess by Bruce Pandolfini; Chess For Success by Tony Gillam; and other good books for beginners to chess. For chess puzzles there is a very large book – Chess: 5334 Problems, Combinations, and Games – by Laszlo Polgar.

Chess in cyberspace has evolved and is perpetually changing, but, good sites can be located with some basic searching. For example, three such internet gaming room sites are: Free Internet Chess Server (FICS)/(freechess.org); Internet Chess Club (chessclub.com); and Playchess (Playchess.de) in which the last two require paid membership, though you can login free as a guest. Plus, a different popular free chess player server is Games.Yahoo.com. Another chess learning choice can be Chess Magnet School (ChessMagnetSchool.com) which combines good textural instructional material and lots of exercises. It starts with learning the rules and moves, then, moves to strategies and tactics of chess games. There is a monthly, quarterly or yearly fee, but you can start with a thirty day free trial by going to the United States Chess Federation (USCF)/(uschess.org) (and click on – Learn to Play Chess). There are other good sites and even some that are kids programs, but can be very specific for adults also, such as Silver Knights Chess (SilverKnightsChess.com) where you first join the site and learn through the Online Training Center which has chess videos that are sorted by skill level. There is a monthly fee which gives unlimited access to all chess videos (beginner, intermediate and advanced) with new videos added every week. There are also good computer chess games on CD’s or DVD’s that can be purchased such as – ChessMaster 10th Edition – which has good instructional material with a thorough course of rules and basic strategy.

Chess is ultimately learned by playing and can become more and more stimulating and challenging the more you participate in it. As you progress you can learn different techniques and see patterns of chess more clearly. Learn some basics, get chessmen and board, find some chess games, have fun and don’t force it. Chess improvement will come at its’ own pace. So, relax, study and play! By entering into the fascinating world of chess you will gain the benefits of learning chess, as well as, the enjoyment of a game that you can keep on learning for a lifetime.

About the Author:

J.B. DeWilde. To Enhance your Chess Games, visit: http://www.ChessWorthy.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – How to Get Started in the Fascinating World of Playing Chess Games

Author: John Sokol

Chess pieces are not only the rank-and-file of a chess game, but they are also the heart and soul of the chess game experience. Chess pieces with matching or unique movement qualities completing their intended purpose make for a sharp strategic ballet with nearly limitless possibilities of progression.

Pierre Mac Orlan, famous 20th century French writer and poet, once said, “There are more adventures on a chessboard than on all the seas of the world”. In fact, there are approximately 1040 possible legal chess piece positions. Now consider an average chess piece position can possess as much as 218 movement possibilities. The resulting number of game play options rockets to a figure that only International Grandmasters like Garry Kasparov and super-computers such as Deep Blue are able to even begin to grasp.

Sounds daunting, but if the history and purpose of chess pieces are understood, this infinitely varied environment can be experienced and enjoyed to its fullest.

Modern regulation chess sets have a total of 32 chess pieces divided evenly between two players. Each player’s force of chess pieces consists of 2 – Rooks (Castles), 2 – Bishops, 2 – Knights, 1 – King, 1 – Queen and 8 – pawns. And their particular histories are as follows:

• King – The King has always been royalty among chess pieces and if popularly recognized lineage were to be believed, began as the Raja. Like most royalty, the ‘ King’ has always been primarily an object of protection rather than one of attack. Therefore, it has limited but dexterous movement capabilities.

• Queen – The Queen is a creature of great change in the world of chess pieces. What began as a Mantri, or counselor, was as incapable of long-reaching moves as the King, but equally dexterous. Now that modern chess has reduced the number of battling armies of chess pieces and players behind them, from four to two, that familiar 64 square board that Chaturanga was born on, opened up, allowing the General, as the Queen was also known, to assume an equally powerful offensive role in modern play.

• Bishop – The Bishop we know today started with a severely circumscribed movement capability, although it possess the modern Knight’s ability to leap to its destination. The Bishop, or Gaja as it was once known, has lost its vertical capability but its diagonal travel equals that of the modern Queen. This movement modification has made the Bishop a decisive tool of play from middle-game onwards.

• Knight – The Knight has remained the same in its shape and movement capabilities since it was first known as an Ashva, or Horse. The Ashva was intended to act as a mounted division. The Knight’s power lays in its flanking ability, so it shouldn’t typically lead the charge.

• Rook – Was initially known as the Chariot and played like a heavy infantry division. The Rook has powerful linear movement capabilities, but is susceptible to diagonal attack. Therefore the Ratha, as the Rook was formally known, was used primarily for defense and/or pinning down opponent’s chess pieces.

• Pawn – To the ill informed, the pawn, or foot infantry, was the most expendable of all chess pieces. As Paul Keres, Estonia’s chess grandmaster, once said, “The older I grow, the more I appreciate my Pawns”. Pawns, or Pedati as they were once known, form your line of approach, defining your offensive game play strategy and your defensive options. Pawns can also be instrumental in your endgame strategy, so avoid sacrificing your Pawn chess pieces when opening. Treat your Pawns with respect for as the Irish saying goes, “When the chess game is over, the pawn and the king go back to the same box”.

With this kind of history, it is easy to understand why the designs of chess pieces vary as they do. In conforming to each society’s idea of strategic conflict has created a world of design options for the avid chess player.

You can very easily find a plethora of chess piece designs over the Internet. There are large selections of chess pieces and styles to choose from.

About the Author:

John Sokol is the creator of Quality Chess. Quality Chess is a provider of a large selection of unique and classical chess boards in many designs and beautiful materials.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Unique History of Chess Pieces

Author: Victor Epand

Chess is a board game that has been played for many centuries. It originated in Europe and is a very popular game still today. There are national tournaments held all over the world for all age groups from young children to adults. It is also a popular game to be played in nursing homes or elderly care communities as it offers mind stimulation for the elderly.

Chess is a game that is also very popular in arts and literature. It can be seen in books, magazines, articles, newspapers, arts, ballets, or music. There have been many very well known books that are sometimes based around the game of chess or that use the game at some point in the literature. It also can be used as a metaphor for something else.

There are various chess magazines and publications that you can find in bookstores, libraries or online. Some offers subscriptions to chess enthusiasts, while others do not. Chess can also be found in many online venues.

For the chess enthusiast, there are books that are centered on chess. Sometimes this can include the actual game being some sort of central part of the book. Other times authors may be less obvious and use the chess game as metaphors, chapter titles or other various ways of intertwining the chess game into the book without the actual game being the main focus.

Chess is a game of critical thinking and strategy so many avid chess players find these types of books and articles very interesting as it is clear the author has had to use some thought to strategically position the chess analogies.

Chess can also be used in literature to dictate how the book or publications course goes. For example, a story may be based around a person and different “chess moves” they make in their life and how it affects their surroundings. It is a great way to depict struggles or battles that may be going on in a book or publication.

Chess is also found in arts, most commonly in paintings where the game of chess if being depicted being played by a group of individuals. Usually chess is played with two people. They have a board that they place the chess pieces on to. The pieces are two colors, usually black and white, and have varying shapes mostly based on medieval times. This includes kings, queens, knights, bishops and pawns.

Each player is allowed to make one move of their pieces before the other player gets to move again. The king piece is being protected by all the other chess pieces. The object of the game is to checkmate, or block the other player’s king so that he has nowhere to move the king.

Also, in arts you actually see the game of chess depicted through ballet, musicals or interpretive dance moves. Again, the chess game may be more literal or the dancers may be recreating the battle or games being played as chess pieces are moved up and across a board.

About the Author:

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for board games, chess boards, and dungeons and dragons miniatures. You will find all these things and more if you visit used board games, chess art and literature, and dungeons and dragons miniatures.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Chess In The Arts And Literature

Author: Mike Hirn

With the emergence of the Internet, chess has left its pristine physical domain and logged on to a highly popular online, virtual form. The Internet enables chess players to play real time chess with players from all over the world. Chess games are hosted over the Internet on special chess servers. Users download the game, which comes with special, easy-to-install software that allows users to play and chat with other players from distant locations. Java-enabled websites are also available in which a Java enabled browser is used.

There are many sites that offer a large variety of chess games. Chess servers like the Internet Chess Club (ICC) and the Free Internet Chess Server (FICS) are available to help you play online chess.

The “Internet Chess Club” (ICC) is one of the best environments for online games, as the interface is extremely easy to use. The Free Internet Chess Server (FICS), as the name suggests, is a free chess server like the ICC and “Chess” (net). It requires a player to download a graphical interface like CClient, Winboard or Slics.

Internet chess games are also available at “Chess”. “Chess” has features similar to ICC and FICS with its own graphical interface that must be purchased. Because of the cost involved, “Chess” is less popular than its free counterparts.

Playsite is another site for online chess games. It has multiple games that require a Java enabled browser. Downloading the Java component usually takes time, but this time can be cut down by using a Castanet Tuner. The Castanet Tuner downloads all the codes and graphics from Playsite the first time around, so that in future sessions players only have to download the updates. Over the years many Internet chess servers have been created, including ChessLive, ChessAnyTime, and the World Chess Network.

There are two ways to play chess on the Internet. One way is for players to play a real-time game with another online player. Real-time games have to be completed within a specific timeframe. The other method is to play an opponent who is not online at the same time. With this option, there is no time limit. A player has complete control over the game. Players can chat and study their games in detail, and can also play multiple games simultaneously.

Whichever way you prefer to play, playing online can be a challenge and a way to improve your game. What better way to see how your game stacks up compared to the rest of the world.

About the Author:

Learn chess opening moves and other chess tips for beginners and experts that will bring your game to a whole new level at http://www.chessmovespro.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Internet Chess: Chess Meets the Internet

Author: Fran Black

Over the years, chess spread throughout the world and enjoyed massive waves of popularity. Undoubtedly, reality is reflected in the idea that chess originated either as an aid or substitute for warfare. This stemmed from the notion that chess was invented as a war game and so, that is the manner in which it should executed. In fact in order to be knighted, it helped if you played a good game of chess.

And finally, a mention should be made of pawns; those so adequately named pieces which are even denied the status of chess ‘men’. Pawns were sacrificial pieces.

While chess might have originated as a war game, it was seen as a game of nobility and education in Europe in the 1500s. It can be seen that from actions in Europe around the year 1500 that chess had become strongly ingrained in western society. Within European Aristocracy, the concept behind chess became a royal court rather than a battlefield. However, the game’s popularity was helped by its social cache: a chess set was often associated with wealth, knowledge, and power. As a result it became fashionable for aristocrats to have live-in chess masters. In fact during difficult times in Protestant Europe there were massive attacks on “ungodly pursuits,” but chess was often defended while other pastimes were denied.

As a result chess has long been considered the ultimate test of intellectual activity. Some feel that because of its difficulty and boorishness, chess diminished in its traditional appeal. However, most will agree that the chess community has traditionally been more enlightened than the larger society.

Mass production of chess sets helped introduce chess to the lower class. The low cost to produce the Staunton set allowed the masses to purchase sets and helped to again popularize the game of chess. But chess is more than just a game of skill. Chess stood a turn in education as teachers noted that students’ behavior improved upon learning chess. How far beyond chess such aptitude can be expanded is the next big question.

One that is still argued today. Playing chess by computer began in the early 1950s, nearly as soon as computers became available. The rules of play early intrigued computer scientists-MIT wrote the first chess program in 1957. Some programmers believe that work on computer chess led to important software techniques still in use today. The worldwide fascination for chess has been astonishing. It has been said that there is more literature devoted to chess than for all other games combined. Today, chess is played world wide with international appeal.

About the Author:

Francesca Black works in marketing at the Puzzle Place http://www.puzzle-place.net and Chess Strategies http://www.chess-strategies.net leading puzzle and strategy portals.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Chess Over the Years

Author: Cheryl Jones

Chess is the game of strategies and tactics. If one has an opportunity to play chess with different opponents with varied skill levels, chances of learning are much higher. However, such opportunities are not always feasible but chess online makes this possible.

Advantages of chess online

Chess online has suddenly opened up a new avenue for growth for chess lovers by giving them international exposure. Sitting at home, a chess enthusiast can play chess with anyone in the world.

Online forums offer immense opportunities to discuss strategy with great players and share opinions for mutual benefit.

Many chess online websites also have databases of chess games. These databases are continuously updated and provide an understanding of the game.

Like your own chess board, chess online is available to you 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Choose your convenient time and day to play chess on chess online.

Websites to play chess online

Many websites are now in the offing and it becomes tough to decide on registering with a particular site to play chess. This is particularly difficult when sites charges for membership.

Following points may help one select the best site:

1. Level of the player

1.1 A novice should ideally select a site that offers learning lessons along with options to play chess
1.2 Established players should look for sites that allows participation in many tournaments and competitions

2. Game analysis

2.1 Websites that help analyze concluded games can enhance ones learning process
2.2 Look for websites that have large databases to make such analysis feasible

3. Better exposure

Sites that have more affiliations and reputation in playing chess can offer better international exposure to its members

4. Security

Website security becomes a critical issue in situations where financial transactions are involved to play chess

5. User friendliness

5.1 Good navigation, faster response and useful help screens are some of the options that needs to be considered in selecting a good chess online website
5.2 Good graphics, 3D images and various user definable parameters are offered by advanced technology websites that are used to play chess online

6. Earning potential

If the chess online site offers prize money for participating in tournaments, it is worth considering, as the competition will be much higher and tougher.

Selecting a suitable website to play chess online on a continuous basis is a crucial decision if you are serious about the game. An ideal option would be to look for a chess online site that offers various avenues to strengthen your game. It should be remembered that once you outgrow a website, one should move in to a higher league of chess online, in order to grow continuously.

For more information about Chess visit http://www.chessboss.com

About the Author:

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Learn and Play Chess Online

Author: Groshan Fabiola
If you have your mind set on buying a chess set, you should know that you are presented with a variety of options and have a wide range of sets to select from. When it comes to purchasing a chess set, you can either opt for a matched chess set along with the pieces, or you can get individual pieces and chessboards. There are a few important aspects that you should keep in mind when buying a chess set. The price of the chess set is one of the aspects to consider. Furthermore, it is advisable that you opt for a durable chess set, so that both you and your future generations be able to enjoy the game. The style of the chess set is not to be overlooked either, especially if you want to pass it on to future generations.

In that case, getting a good quality set that has a definitive style statement is undoubtedly your best option. The quality of the chess set should also be among your concerns. You cannot afford to make any compromise on this particular aspect. Along with the board, the pieces need to be sturdy enough. While selecting chess sets, you should pay close attention to all the pieces, and particularly to the king and knight. You should know that some good quality chess pieces come with an excellent hand carving. As you probably already know, a complete chess set means a chessboard and thirty-two pieces. Each team plays with sixteen pieces, which are placed on sixty-four individual squares.

The price of a chess set can vary considerably. You can opt for a quite inexpensive chess set, which is often of inferior quality, or for a high end but rather pricey one. It is widely believed that wood chess sets are a very good option. Of all chess pieces available on the market, the Staunton chess pieces are said to be the best as far as design goes. The history of the Staunton chess pieces goes all the way back to the year 1849. Ever since their creation, these chess pieces have been considered standard pieces, and they are currently used all over the world. Staunton style includes different types of wood chess sets that are made of sheesham or rosewood – the most commonly used material for a wood chess set.

Many chess lovers choose a wood chess set over other types of chess sets for its natural style and weight. When it comes to popularity, a wood chess set made of rosewood is the most popular among chess lovers. The reason seems to be the beauty that glows through the streaks along with the grain. This type of wood chess set often comes with a combination of brownish-red color, but is also available in different other shades. Once you have played with a wood chess set made of rosewood, you can instantly feel the difference. The wood chess pieces are heavier.

Another material used to create a wood chess set is sheesham wood and these types of sets are thought to be very long lasting. The types of wood chess sets mentioned above are not your only options. You can also opt for an ebony chess set, whose main advantage is that it can be polished easily. However, making an ebony chess set is a rather painstaking task, which is why such sets are a bit more expensive. Still, an ebony wood chess set is certainly worth investing in, as it is one of the most durable, long lasting and good-looking chess sets.About the Author:

For more resources about wood chess set or even about chess set please review this website http://www.quality-chess.net

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – How About a Wooden Chess Set?