Chess, Anyone?

"Well, I just wanted to move to places that would force you to move to other places."

"So you thought about the entire game beforehand? You knew what you wanted me to do so you moved your pieces in such a way as to make me move mine where you wanted them?"

"Yup. You're easy to play because you just know the very beginner moves."

"Oh, I see! Go for the jugular on a weaker opponent! Brutal!"

"Hey, Mom, you do know we're playing chess, right? It's a war game!"

"I suppose. Let's see if I can outsmart--or outdumb--you this game!"

"Whatever, Mom! Let's play!"

War Games

Since time began, man has been at war. At war with nature, at war with other men, even at war with himself. This constant struggle for power and survival at all costs is innate in our species.
As long as there's been war, men and boys have played war games to prepare themselves for the enevitable battles that were to come. Chess is a game of kings and also a game of war.

Chaturanga is the oldest variant of chess. According to the Chess Variants website, its name means "four corners" or "divided into four parts" as it is based on the four divisions of the Indian army. Those divisions being one elephant, one chariot, three soldiers on horseback, and five foot soldiers.

A look at ancient chess sets shows all sorts of battles being fought. In the Spetember 2002 issue of MUSE magazine, Colleen Schafroth shares this information,

The game of chess is a game of war. But who are the kings and what countries do they rule? The answer has changed over time depending on who made the chess pieces and which nations were fighting at the time.

Some ancient chess sets have been:

• Communists vs. Capitalists (1922)
• British red coats vs. Indian army (1700's)

The common sets today use pieces that don't always represent kings and pawns or battles. Some of the fun chess sets on the market are:

• Star Trek
• Underwater
• Disneyland characters
• TV shows (Simpsons)

The Sun Shines...I Win!

After about an hour's worth of playing chess, I finally won one game, just as the sun peeked out from behind the clouds. It had been a fun time and Wyatt truly enjoyed playing--and beating--his mom at chess.
When you get the chance, go to your local toy store and pick up an inexpensive chess set and a beginner's guide to the game. You will be amazed at how quick and easy

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