What's next for chess?

From the ancient days of Chaturanga to the modern era of mobile-friendly bullet chess, this is a tale of strategy, innovation, and plenty of knights moving in L-shapes.

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away (and by that, I mean around the 6th century), Chaturanga was born. This ancient Indian game laid the groundwork for what we now know as chess. Chaturanga had elephants, chariots, infantry, and horse-riding cavalry, but it lacked the powerful lady we cherish today—the queen. Despite its humble beginnings, Chaturanga captured hearts and minds, spreading like wildfire to Persia, Arabia, and eventually Europe.

Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and chess had gained quite a reputation. The 10th-century Arab world contributed significantly to the game, giving it a fresh touch of finesse. The queen we adore made her grand entrance as one of the most influential pieces on the board, changing the game's dynamics forever. No longer just a mindless pawn (pun intended), the queen became the ultimate powerhouse, sweeping through enemy lines like a boss.

In Europe, chess underwent further development during the Renaissance period. Strategies and tactics were discussed and debated by scholars, with treatises and books dedicated to mastering the game. It was like the "How to Win at Chess for Dummies" of the time, but way classier!

The 19th century brought about the era of competitive chess tournaments. Masters like Paul Morphy and Wilhelm Steinitz showcased their unparalleled skills, establishing themselves as the rock stars of the chess world. These were the chess prodigies who set the stage for modern chess as we know it. But little did they know that the true revolution was lurking around the corner, ready to shake the chess world to its core.

Enter the 20th century, the age of technological breakthroughs. Chess became a battlefield for machines and human minds. The invention of the computer turned the tables upside down. In 1997, the legendary Deep Blue supercomputer defeated the reigning World Chess Champion, Garry Kasparov, in a nail-biting showdown.

As technology advanced, so did the way we played chess. Gone were the days of sitting across a wooden board from your opponent. Online chess platforms brought players from different corners of the globe together, fostering a vibrant international chess community. Now, you could play a game with someone from Russia while sipping coffee in a cozy café in New York City.

The digital revolution didn't stop there. With the rise of smartphones, chess went mobile. Suddenly, we had the world's most intellectual game in the palm of our hands—ready to be played anytime, anywhere. Long gone were the days of staring at a lifeless chessboard on a train or bus ride; now, you could engage in thrilling matches with strangers, friends, or AI opponents, all with just a few taps on your smartphone screen.

Just when we thought chess couldn't get any more exciting, along came bullet chess. Forget about pondering over each move for minutes; this rapid-fire version took chess to a whole new level. In bullet chess, you get only a few seconds to make each move. It's like a chess adrenaline rush, leaving your heart pounding and your brain desperately trying to keep up.

Nowadays, bullet chess is all the rage on streaming platforms, where charismatic grandmasters entertain us with their lightning-fast moves and witty commentary. Who knew that watching someone play chess could be so exhilarating?

As we look back on the journey of chess throughout the years, it's evident that the game has grown far beyond its ancient roots. From Chaturanga to bullet chess, the essence of the game remains the same—strategy, skill, and the thrill of outsmarting your opponent. Chess has become more than just a board game; it's a timeless pursuit that unites generations and cultures.

So, whether you're a seasoned grandmaster or a complete beginner, the world of chess welcomes you with open arms. Embrace its history, learn from past masters, and enjoy the ever-evolving journey of chess. And who knows what the future holds? Virtual reality chess, anyone?

What do you want to see more of in the world of chess?

• More top-level bullet tournaments
• More shows & films based on chess and its history