American Chess Day is celebrated on Sept. 1 in appreciation of one of the most popular board games played across the world.

Chess is one of the oldest board games played by two opponents on a checkered board using specially designed pieces. It is often known as the game of the Kings as the most important piece in the game is the King and the game ends when the King is captured or cannot move.

The game originated in India around the 6th century AD and was initially played by only royals. By the 10th century, the game gained popularity in the Middle East and Europe.

Studies have shown that playing chess can help to improve memory and is often recommended to prevent dementia. The game also helps to improve creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Chess
Chess pixabay

Here are some interesting quotes about Chess (courtesy: Kidadl, IChess)

  1. "I have come to the personal conclusion that while all artists are not chess players, all chess players are artists." – Marcel Duchamp
  2. "The beauty of chess is it can be whatever you want it to be. It transcends language, age, race, religion, politics, gender, and socioeconomic background. Whatever your circumstances, anyone can enjoy a good fight to the death over the chess board." – Simon Williams
  3. "Chess, like love, like music, has the power to make men happy."– Siegbert Tarrasch.
  4. "Chess makes men wiser and clear-sighted." – Vladimir Putin
  5. "Chess holds its master in its own bonds, shackling the mind and brain so that the inner freedom of the very strongest must suffer." – Albert Einstein
  6. "A game of chess is not an examination of the knowledge; it is a battle of nerves."-David Bronstein.
  7. "Of chess, it has been said that life is not long enough for it, but that is the fault of life, not chess."-William Napier.
  8. A chess game in progress is a cosmos unto itself, fully insulated from an infant's cry, an erotic invitation, or war."-David Shenk.
  9. "Chess is everything: art, science, and sport."-Anatoly Karpov
  10. "Chess is the gymnasium of the mind." – Blaise Pascal