The ultimate test of skill, strategy and nerves.
Chess
The game of
strategy
Explore the history, rules, formats, major tournaments and iconic
players behind one of the world’s most timeless games.
Explore the history, rules, formats, major tournaments and iconic players behind one of the world’s most timeless games.
About Chess
A game of strategy, thinking and patience
Chess is more than a game it is a battle of minds. Played across the world for centuries, it challenges your thinking, builds focus and rewards careful planning.
From local tournaments to global championships, chess continues to inspire players of every age. At SportZone, we bring you the latest chess news, famous players, major events, results and interesting stories from the board.
Quick facts
How to play chess
A quick guide to the basics
Chess is played on an 8×8 board with 16 pieces per side. The goal is simple—checkmate your opponent’s king. Each piece moves in a unique way, and the game is won by using strategy, tactics and careful planning.
The pieces
King – Must be protected
Queen – Most powerful piece
Rook – Moves in straight lines
Bishop – Moves diagonally
Knight – Moves in an L-shape
Pawn – Moves forward, captures diagonally
The history of chess
From ancient India to a worldwide sport
Chess originated in India around the 6th century as Chaturanga. The game later spread through Persia and Europe, evolving into its modern form. International chess organization grew rapidly in the 20th century, while legendary champions turned the game into a global sporting spectacle.
The history of chess
From ancient India to a worldwide sport
Chess originated in India around the 6th century as Chaturanga. The game later spread through Persia and Europe, evolving into its modern form. International chess organization grew rapidly in the 20th century, while legendary champions turned the game into a global sporting spectacle.
Key aspects of chess
What makes every move matter
The board & pieces
An 8×8 board with 16 pieces per side: pawns, rooks, knights, bishops, queen and king.
Moves & rules
Every piece has a unique movement pattern. The goal is to checkmate the opponent's king.
Strategy & tactics
Success comes from foresight, positioning, calculation and smart tactics.
Endgame
With fewer pieces remaining, precision matters most and every move carries weight.
Major tournaments
Where champions are made
World Chess Championship
Candidates Tournament
Decides the challenger for the world championship.
Chess Olympiad
A global team event featuring nations from around the world.
Grand Swiss
Elite players compete for a place in the Candidates.