Chess is the oldest game in the world. As a result, the exact history of it is unclear. Some believe it was played as long as four or five thousand years ago in China. But the most common beliefs state that it originated in India during the 6th Century. From there, chess migrated to Persia (Iran) where it was first referenced in a piece of literature in the 7th Century. Then in the 8th Century, armies of Muslims known as Moors invaded Persia and the game was passed on. The Moors then turned to the West and invaded Spain, bringing the game with them. Soon the Spanish were playing and this quickly spread the game throughout Europe.

The game was originally invented as a representation of the world with the various pieces denoting different aspects of real life. Pawns are seen as labourers, there are more of them than any other piece and they are often sacrificed to save more valuable pieces. Rooks or Castles represent home, Knights are soldiers or protectors and Bishops represent the church. The Queen is the only piece that represents woman and is the most powerful piece on the board, as was often the case in real life with true power coming from the queen. The King is the most important piece and must be protected but his movements are restricted and his power limited.

By the 11th Century, chess had reached England and by 1840 London had become the chess centre of the world. The first international chess tournament was held in the capital in 1851 and was won by a German mathematician. Today, over 1,000 different chess tournaments take place across the globe every year.