Chess Sets Online: The Three Phases Of Chess

 

The 32 chess set pieces represent material, one of three elements within a game of chess. The others are space or territory, represented by the 64 squares and time, represented by the moves.

 

Time can be divided into three main phases, namely the opening, the middle-game and the end-game.   In the opening of the chess game, both players are focused on developing their forces. The players then move on into the middle-game.  This is where the battle is at its height and their forces reduce.  That diminution of forces decreases the danger of a ‘mate’ during the end-game. However, during that phase, the opponents must take great care and precision over every move, as it is very easy to make mistakes and very hard to make amends for any unwise decisions.  For those who are interested in finding out more, it is worth looking more closely at some of the World champions to learn from their expertise in end-game play.

 

It is important to emphasise that there is no clear demarcation between the phases and the distinction between them is in no way clear-cut.  In some games, a sudden and early termination can stop the middle-game happening at all!

 

Increase your own enjoyment of chess by treating yourself to a carved chess set from the selection of chess sets for sale at ChessSetHeaven.com.

 

By Jillian Lovejoy

Buy Chess Sets: Chess – A Game To Exercise The Mind

Buy a chess set and you can enter into an absorbing world of intellectual battles that stimulate your mind and tax your wits.

Chess has been likened to a real battle in which two kings, face to face, are surrounded by their respective armies. That is nonsense though as, in chess, the opposing sides start out as equal and chess set pieces operate in an ordered world of rules. Casualties of the game are not harmed – unless you are talking about the Wizard Chess depicted by JK Rowling in the world of Harry Potter.   

The word ‘Mate’ is Arabic and signifies (the King is) dead.  The object of every game of chess is to mate the adversary.  That means, capture the King or enforce surrender.  However, a King cannot be captured or place himself en prise (where he would be captured in the following move). Mate is therefore a position in which the King has to surrender, as the enemy would capture him on the next move.  Subtle tactics and mental exertions are required to get to that point and chess is the perfect way to keep your mind active.

So, buy a chess set for yourself or for friends and family. A great selection of themed chess sets is available at ChessSetHeaven.com so take a look now to find the best one for you.

By Jillian Lovejoy

The Royal Chess Set Pieces

When it comes to chess set pieces, the King and Queen take centre stage.

Rules govern how and where each of the pieces can move. As befits his rank, the majestic King can move in any direction and only advances one square at a time. His majesty imposes on him a special restriction. He is not allowed to move onto a square where he would be en prise, which means where the opponent could capture him on his next move.

The Queen moves in the same direction as the King but without any restriction on distance. This lack of restriction was a favour afforded the King’s consort in the fifteenth century. It is interesting to note that, originally, this piece was not called the Queen, but a Minister. The Persians followed the Indians in becoming proficient at chess and the Minister in Persian was called a Vizier or Ferz. In the Latin of the Middle Ages this became Fercia, followed by the French Vierge, then finally, amongst those with Latin origins, Dame or Queen.

It is fascinating to see the way these royal chess set pieces have been interpreted in themed chess sets. If you are looking to find a set for your own use or as a gift that can be handed down through generations, visit ChessSetHeaven.com for a range of chess sets for sale that will suit you perfectly.

By Jill Lovejoy

Chess Set Pieces: The History Of The Bishop

Among the other chess set pieces the bishop tends to be overlooked.

 

In the original version of the game, known as 'chaturanga', in India some 1500 years ago, the bishop was known as the elephant, or 'alfil.' It could leap two squares diagonally - even over another piece. No alfil could attack another.

 

The modern bishop seems to have first appeared around 1200AD but the word 'alfil' does still appear in some languages in modified form. Among the chess set pieces in Italy (alfiere), Spain (alfil) and France (aufin) the bishop still held its old name for some time.

 

The bishop was first named as such in the 1500s although the relevant piece in the Isle of Lewis chess set pieces dating from the 12th century is clearly an ecclesiastical figure. Indeed, Icelandic texts show the name 'biskup' as far back as the 1300s, which is consistent, as the Isle of Lewis chess set pieces are believed to be of Nordic origin.

 

The design of the piece reflects the bishop as shown in the standard Staunton chess set originally made in 1849, which is still the standard design today. Interestingly, the grooves carved into the bishop's mitre may reflect the origins of the piece as an elephant.

 

The history of this useful chess piece is further shown in the names still given to it in other languages. In France the bishop is known as the 'fou' or fool as the belief is the cap is similar to that of a jester. In Turkey and Russia the names given still mean 'the elephant.'   

 

It is fascinating how each of the chess set pieces has its own history. When you next buy a chess set you can imagine all the history it represents.

Looking to find the best chess set for your needs or as a gift that will never be forgotten? Visit ChessSetHeaven.com for a range of high quality themed chess sets that will suit you perfectly.

Buy Chess Sets: Chess In The Face of Defeat

So you get out your best chess set and challenge a friend to a game. Perhaps you lose or maybe your opponent does but whatever happens you will probably enjoy a game that challenges the mind and leaves you thinking more clearly.

 

Could this be why some leaders have been found pulling out their own best chess set and playing when all around them is crashing down?

 

In June this year, Libyan state television showed footage of Colonel Gadhafi playing chess against a visiting champion. This was of course just as his country was in the grip of a revolution. Perhaps diplomatically his opponent, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, allowed Gadhafi to win but was the Colonel attempting to escape the disaster looming over him or was he trying to look as normal as possible?

 

Playing chess in the face of adversity has been reported before. In the year 762 AD the city of Baghdad was under siege and men were being killed by the hundred. Defeat seemed imminent but Muhammed al-Amin, the caliph of the Abbasid Empire, based on Baghdad, was calmly playing chess with one of his eunuchs.

 

Even urgent messengers arriving with news of yet another defeat would not disturb the game. Eventually the invading hordes broke into the room and the caliph was beheaded.

 

Serious chess players bent over their chess set pieces would perhaps have sympathy with the Colonel and with the caliph. It is very easy to be so absorbed in the chess set pieces that time and the world around you seems to fade away. 

 

See the video of Colonel Gadhafi playing perhaps his last game of chess in this video.

Looking to find the best chess set for your needs or as a gift that will never be forgotten? Visit ChessSetHeaven.com for a range of high quality themed chess sets that will suit you perfectly.

Best Chess Set: Harry Potter And Wizard Chess

The game of chess and specific chess set pieces have featured in many examples of literature in the past. One of the most memorable uses of the game has been in the Harry Potter books and films.

 

Wizard Chess was invented by the author J.K. Rowling as a form of chess where the chess set pieces move of their own accord when commanded by the player. The rules are otherwise the same as the 'muggle' or non-magic human game.

 

Initially we see Harry playing with a borrowed chess set, which takes pity on his inexperience. Harry then gets his own chess set at Christmas.

 

Interestingly, the chess pieces used are based on the famous Isle of Lewis chess set dating from the Middle Ages and now displayed jointly in the British Museum and the Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

 

Perhaps the most dramatic display of Wizards Chess in the Harry Potter series is in the Philosophers Stone when Harry, Hermione and Ron have to play as chess set pieces to get to the Philosophers Stone itself. The game is that much more interesting as the pieces are destroyed when they are taken.

 

Perhaps it's just as well the game we all play is not so violent but it is enthralling nonetheless.

   

You can see a video of that dramatic game of Wizards chess here.  

Looking to find the best chess set for your needs or as a gift that will never be forgotten? Visit ChessSetHeaven.com for a range of high quality themed chess sets that will suit you perfectly.

Chess Set Pieces: Winning The World Championship

 

 

 

How many of us have moved our chess set pieces in a game at home and dreamed of becoming a top player?

 

Here is an interesting video from Russian Ladies World Chess Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk on winning the 2008 world chess championship.

 

 

Alexandra's blog can be found at http://chessqueen.com.

Looking to find the best chess set for your needs or as a gift that will never be forgotten? Visit ChessSetHeaven.com for a range of high quality themed chess sets that will suit you perfectly and will make you feel like a champion.