Chess and the Horse
One day, a friend of mine gifted me a box of chocolates, and there were some chocolates in the form of the horse, that immediately reminded me of chess. I made a question to myself why the horse reminds me of chess? Is it the most important player? What role does it have? As an amateur player of chess, I decided to uncover the horse’s reasoning and whether others visualise chess the way that I do?
Some chess history …
Chess nowadays is not the one that originated in India. There are several versions of chess but The word ‘CHESS’ derives from the Persian ‘SHAH’ meaning King.
It imitates the war and the king for me impersonates the real player who makes his strategy. The King himself has very limited movement, but he fights with all of his compliances. Like in the real war everybody fought for the king, and it is the king the last one to be sacrified.
A question keeps popping in my mind how come the queen is the most powerful piece in chess.
It is thought that during the 15th century the roles of the pieces and some rules changed. They were inspired by the great female leaders of that period and the queen entered the game more powerful than everyone.
Maybe the king needed to know that he was nothing without his players, especially the QUEEN.
Why the horse?
When I think of chess, immediately the horse piece comes in my mind. Why is that? He isn’t the strongest player like the queen, neither the King. Although the horse is the protective knight.
Well Microsoft has something to do with it. When I was young I saw the chess app of Microsoft, and it had the logo of the horse. Playing chess online reinforced that image in my mind. Please comment and tell me your thoughts on the matter? What do you visualize when you think of chess?
Chess and Cognitive Science
There have been some studies about the benefits of chess, but it is still unclear. It is thought that it has benefits on IQ, problem-solving skills, concentration and improved memory. I, myself have played chess with my father. Indeed, chess gives you a new way of thinking and seeing things. For me, it was great satisfaction when I used to beat adults at chess. When you are a child, you don’t have many ways to show yourself superior to adults. They get to decide most of the things in a child’s life, so chess gives you the freedom to become the ruler.
Please do share your thoughts, feelings on the matter. How was it for you when you were kids?
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Lolita
