What is Chess all about?

What is Chess all about? The simplest answer being a game doesn't really make neither the listener nor me happy. Henceforth I am starting off this column with a little bit of explanation on the rules, intention and how to achieve that intention. Sounds good ? So let's begin.

If you are totally unaware of how to play chess, then here are the rules that you need to follow. Sometimes the rules are misinterpreted, just to avoid those silly doubts one can still go through them.

What is the intention of playing Chess? There could be many, as for instance in my case, I play it just because of the feel good factor. Some play it to achieve the goal, so called The Grand Master, few enjoy playing it and couple of them to show off their skill on the 64 squared black and white board (well it can be colored too, personal preference is green and white board). But the ultimate intention is to capture the opponent's King!!! Yes, that is all you need to concentrate on. Bury this in mind, always make a move which pushes you a step forward in capturing the opponent's King.

The next question that I expect is - How do I achieve this Mr? Believe me, there is no perfect answer yet. Even the Grand Masters fail seldom. But definitely there are ways, one being how strong is your opponent ;). There are several strategies. The game is actually split into 3 main stages. The Opening , Middle game and the End game. And the Grand Masters have almost mastered these stages.

Opening involves in making a strong hold the central 4 squares of the board which are d4, d5, e4 & e5

There are several theories like King's Gamit, Petrov's defence, Open Games, Ruy, Lopez, Scotch Game etc how to start with. And followed by these openings are different variations like Sicilian Defence, French Defence, Queen's Gambit and many many more. Just before you start playing, a good practice would be to learn one of them, be comfortable, look at couple of variations and sit confident.

Openings are not only concentrated on having a good control over center of the board but also look at positioning your King safe, development of your army and positioning the Pawns to strengthen the fort.

The Middle game is where you try to take a lead in terms of pieces and attack.  A possible way is also strengthen your area and go for defence. This stages almost decides the fortune of the player.

I may be wrong with the last sentence. The fortune of the play can definitely turn over in the End game. Hence practice a couple of steps on how to capture King when you have only a Rook left, or only Bishops, or a combination of Rook and Bishop, or a combination of Knight and Bishop. You got to do a little bit of math to find all the possible combinations. Don't forget to look at how to advance your Pawns and turn them into either one of Queen, Rook, Bishop or Knight. Its a preference that you get a Queen, but not always it works fairly, even the Queen is treated as the most powerful member of your army.

Happy Playing.