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Many are surprised to hear that chess is also a sport. And this sport trains, like exercise machines , one of the most important organs - the brain. A game of chess is one of the most effective ways to exercise the brain, which develops logical and strategic thinking. For centuries, chess has been considered a prestigious and intellectual sport, the benefits of which for brain activity are beyond doubt.
When and how did chess reach Lithuania?
Although the game itself has been known in the world for a very long time (it is believed that something similar to chess was played in Ancient India), this game reached Lithuania in the Middle Ages (these facts are supported by chess pieces found at the sites of old castles). It is difficult to guess how widely this game was known at that time, but much later, when Lithuania was already part of the Soviet Union, chess became a truly popular and beloved game in Lithuania. Tournaments began to be organized, more than one athlete made Lithuania famous in international championships, chess schools began to be established in the country, students were especially eager to get involved in this activity, and inter-school chess tournaments were held. During the Soviet era, this sport was almost as popular as basketball. Vladas Mikėnas is considered the first professional chess player in Lithuania, and in 1929 the Independent Chess Union of the Republic of Lithuania was founded.
Basic chess rules
Chess is played on a special chessboard (usually wooden). The board is checkered (usually black and white), and game pieces are lined up on the squares. The latter should also be of two colors - black and white. The pieces are placed on squares of the opposite color, but they do not necessarily move only on them. The movement of the pieces depends on their type (there are six types: king, queen (or king and queen), rook, rook, knight and pawn). For example, a rook moves only diagonally, but one rook of the same player stands on a white square, the other on a black square, so theoretically they move only on squares of one color, but in fact - on both. There are two of each type of piece, except for the king, queen and pawns. The central chess piece is, of course, the king. Losing this piece is a defeat, which in chess is called shah and mate, which translated from Persian would mean that the king is dead.
Chess today
Today, chess is no longer as popular a sport as it was 50 years ago, but it is still loved and played. There are more than one chess club in Lithuania, enthusiasts of this sport regularly organize tournaments, and professional athletes participate in international competitions. Chess pieces and a board are still considered a luxurious and valuable gift, and wooden, handmade products are especially appreciated. Chess often moves into the online space. With the opportunity to engage in this sport in a virtual space, many are tempted by the opportunity to try their hand at it, but this hobby cannot be compared to the passion for the game, when opponents, in order to play a game, would even send each other their moves by letter.