Ever heard of a day dedicated to the game of chess, specifically in the US? Well, we have got you covered with National Chess Day.
National Chess Day
Every year, the chess enthusiasts in the United States gather for a game of chess. National Chess Day occurs on the second Saturday of October. This year (2021) it falls on October 9.
Now, you might ask why a National Chess Day when we already have an International Chess Day on July 20. Well, the reason is to foster a habit of critical thinking amongst youngsters.
So, a game that had its origin in the fifth century and popularised by business merchants, has become a chief ingredient to increase the cognitive abilities of people, especially critical thinking and reasoning.
This game played in a 64 square black and white checkered board with 16 pieces of elements is often referred to as a “game of kings” as it was played in the royal courts by emperors and kings. Many battles have been settled by a game of chess. You might call it a mild and subdued form of dueling where 2 players play with 6 different types of chess pieces – 1 King, 1 Queen, 2 Knights, 2 Bishops, 2 Rooks, and 8 pawns – total 16 pieces on either side.
This National Chess Day get ready to build your mind palace with us!
History of National Chess Day
In 1976, the then U.S. President Gerald Ford declared the second Saturday of October to be celebrated as National Chess Day to promote better thinking skills amongst the public at large.
That year, National Chess Day fell on October 9, just like this year. Ford understood the critical essence of chess playing and how it can help in building a nation of critical thinkers.
Most of America’s founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Adams, John Quincy Adams etc. enjoyed the game of chess. Even recent U.S. Presidents like Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton indulged in it.
So, this game enjoyed by both professionals and amateurs was the perfect solution to test human faculties and build a sense of sportsmanship amongst compatriots.
Since then, National Chess Day has become a huge success in the U.S. as many gathered together to celebrate the day, organising various online and offline events.
Apart from favouring good mental health and community building, this day has made the U.S. a superpower in Chess where it’s second only to Russia. According to FIDE sources, the USA has a 2715 rating based on the scores received by our top 10 chess players.
Key Moments in Chess Day
15 Century – Chess Evolves to Modern Form
The game of chess evolves to the modern form from its ancient form practiced in India.
1641 – Chess Arrives in the U.S.
Esther Singleton’s book “Dutch New York” brings chess to the U.S.
1786 – First American Chess Book
Benjamin Franklin publishes the first written guidelines of chess in the U.S. in his book “The Morals of Chess”.
1976 – First National Chess Day
October 9, 1976, the U.S. celebrates its first National Chess Day as announced by President Gerald Ford.
How To Celebrate National Chess Day?
1. Sign up for a tournament
The most traditional way of celebrating this day is to get yourself enrolled on a tournament. There are various chess tournaments held both online and offline in every locality for the day.
2. Create an outdoor chessboard
The game of chess can become a huge artistic event if played right. Just take the game out and paint the sidewalk into a large chessboard to play the game.
3. Craft your own pieces
This one takes it to the next level and allows you to be more resourceful and creative. Pick up any kind of material and make your own chess pieces. It can be anything plastic, stones, waste, wood – anything!
Mind-blowing Facts About Chess
1. A game of moves
Chess is the game of moves and it can go up to 5949 moves.
2. The most moves
The most complex and the longest chess problem is credited to Blathy, Otto (1860-1939) for creating 290 moves.
3. First pawn move
In 1280, a new move originated in Spain called “New Pawn Move”, a 2 square first move instead of a traditional 1 square move.
4. Checkmate
“Checkmate” has its roots in the Persian term for “the King is dead”, “Shah Mat”.
5. Ways to checkmate
You can checkmate in 8 different ways by 2 moves and 355 different ways using 3 moves.
Why We Love National Chess Day?
1. Enhances critical thinking necessary to build a nation
Playing chess involves calculating your moves, understanding your opponents – all of which enhances the critical thinking required to build a better nation.
2. Helps to tackle mental health issues like dementia
Studies have found how indulging in a game of chess regularly jogs our memory and helps to tackle dementia.
3. Because it’s fascinating
As former President Gerald Ford said chess captivates the attention of people worldwide. It’s the healthiest competition and a challenge to mankind.
FAQs
Why do we celebrate National Chess Day?
National Chess Day is celebrated every year on the second Saturday of October to foster a spirit of critical thinking and breaking down social barriers.
Is National Chess Day a real holiday?
All over the U.S. people celebrate National Chess Day in public and private spaces. It’s not an official holiday but you can definitely break the ice with your colleagues over a game of chess.
Who invented chess?
Chess started its journey in fifth century India and made its way to Europe via Persia, finally arriving in the U.S. in 1641.
References
https://new.uschess.org/news/the-origins-of-national-chess-day
https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/usa/national-chess-day
https://thechessworld.com/articles/general-information/40-facts-about-chess-most-people-dont-know/
https://chesswizards.com/site/page/view/National%20Chess%20Day
Agantuk's Desk - Explore, Implore, Reverberate 
Leave a comment