Chess

Chess, sophisticated board game for 2 players probably invented in India in ancient times. It was introduced into Persia in the 6th century A.D. and was brought to Europeans by the Arabs, probably at the time of the Crusades. By the 13th century, the game was widespread in Europe, and the rules of the modern version were definitively stabilized in the 16th century. The first modern world championship was held in 1851, and world champions have been recognized continuously since then. The game board has 64 squares in 8 rows of 8, and each player has 16 pieces. Each piece moves in specific ways, and the players alternate moves. The object of the game is to capture the opponent's king. If neither player is able to do this, the game is drawn. At the highest levels of international play, draws are common.