History of Chess

In this episode, we trace the rich history of chess from its origins in the ancient Indian war game chaturanga through its journey across Persia, the Arab world, and into medieval Europe, where evolving rules transformed key pieces into the powerful queen and bishop we know today. We explore how the 19th century shaped modern competitive chess with standardized tournaments and the first official world championship, and how the Soviet Union’s dominance defined much of the 20th century, culminating in the iconic rivalry between Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov. Finally, we examine chess’s transformation in the digital age, driven by computer engines, online platforms, and the rise of streaming, highlighting its evolution from an ancient strategy game into a global modern phenomenon.