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International Chess Day

Discover the joy of chess on International Chess Day - sharpen your skills and challenge yourself to a game with friends!
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When it is?
July 20
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Country
International
Introduction

It's time to get ready for International Chess Day on July 20! This day was created to celebrate the game of chess and its rich legacy, which dates back centuries. From ancient India and China to modern Europe, chess has been an important part of many different cultures around the world. It is a great way to challenge your mind, develop strategic thinking skills, and have some fun with friends or family! So don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to take part in International Chess Day.

History of International Chess Day

International Chess Day Dates

International Chess Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>600</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of Chess</div><div class='timeline-text'>Chess, originally known as 'chaturanga', is believed to have been invented in Northern India.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1475</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Chess Evolves</div><div class='timeline-text'>Chess evolves into the modern form we recognize today in Europe, with rules like queen and bishop movement solidified.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1851</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First International Tournament</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first international chess tournament takes place in London, marking the beginning of competitive chess at a high level.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1924</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formation of FIDE</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Chess Federation, also known as FIDE from its French name, is formed to govern international chess competition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Women's World Chess Championship</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Women's World Chess Championship is held to increase the recognition of women in the sport.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1986</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of International Chess Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>FIDE establishes the International Chess Day to celebrate the game worldwide, choosing July 20, the date of FIDE’s founding.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate International Chess Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn the basics</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a few minutes to brush up on the basics of chess. Learn the names of the pieces, how they move, and how they can be used in combinations. Knowing the basics will help you understand the game at a deeper level.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Play with friends</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family for a game of chess. It's a great way to bond and have some fun. You can even make it more interesting by adding a wager or some other stakes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read up on strategies</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read up on different chess strategies. You can find books on the subject or browse online resources. You may even pick up some tips you can use in your next game.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch tournaments</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Tune into live streaming of professional and amateur chess tournaments. Watching others play can give you insight into different strategies and tactics as well as provide inspiration for your own games.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a tournament</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put your skills to the test and organize a local chess tournament. Invite friends, family, and neighbors for an afternoon of friendly competition. Or consider hosting an online tournament if you're unable to meet in person.</p></div></div>

Why We Love International Chess Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Chess is a game of strategy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Chess is one of the oldest known games in the world and it's all about thinking ahead. It requires deep strategic analysis, creativity, and foresight to successfully protect your king while eliminating your opponents pieces. It's perfect for those who prefer their mental challenges set at an advanced level.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Chess can be enjoyed by people of all ages.</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>It doesn't matter if you're 5 or 75, everyone can enjoy the challenge that chess provides. You can play against friends or family, or even computers and robots to continuously improve your skills and tactics. The possibilities are endless!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Chess builds problem solving skills</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The game of chess helps players learn important problem solving skills such as logical thinking and pattern recognition. In addition, it can also help develop critical thinking and decision making abilities which can prove invaluable in many aspects of life.</p></div></div>

Checkmate! 5 Shocking Facts for Chess Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Chess Shares a Birthday with UN's International Friendship Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Interestingly, International Chess Day shares its date with another significant observance - the UN's International Friendship Day. This underlines the role of chess in fostering bonds and friendships worldwide.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Longest Game of Chess that is Theoretically Possible is 5,949 Moves</h3><p class='facts-content'>The rules of FIDE (Federation Internationale des Echecs) states that a game can last no more than 5,949 moves. This is only possible if the 50-move rule is applied, where a player can claim a draw if no capture or pawn movement has occurred within the last 50 moves.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Second Book Ever Printed in English was about Chess</h3><p class='facts-content'>The second book ever printed in the English language, "The Game and Playe of the Chesse" (printed in 1474), was a moral treatise using chess as its basis. It reveals how seriously the game was taken in the society at the time.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over 600 Million People Globally Know How to Play Chess</h3><p class='facts-content'>Chess is truly a global game, with over 600 million individuals knowing how to play according to estimates from FIDE. This makes it one of the world's most widely understood games, highlighting its cultural significance.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>AI has had a significant Impact on Chess</h3><p class='facts-content'>Artificial Intelligence has made a strong impact on chess. In 1997, IBM's supercomputer Deep Blue beat the reigning world champion Garry Kasparov in a game, a milestone in AI history. Since then, AI has been used widely to facilitate chess research and training.</p></div></div>

International Chess Day FAQs

When is International Chess Day?

International Chess Day is celebrated on July 20th every year. In 2024, International Chess Day will occur on a Saturday.

International Chess Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Jul 20

Thursday

2024

Jul 20

Saturday

2025

Jul 20

Sunday

2026

Jul 20

Monday

2027

Jul 20

Tuesday

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