The castling maneuver that is used in modern-day chess is derived from the “king’s leap” which is a move where the king can move two squares. This move was incorporated into European chess during the 14th and 15th centuries, and over time, it evolved into its current form during the 17th century.
Category: Curiosities
The ringed piece handicap: No one kills him but me!
Let’s focus, one more time, on special restrictions. The stronger player puts a ring on a selected piece (a queen-side knight in this case), and is obliged to deliver a checkmate only with this piece and nothing else.
Pion coiffé: The handicap you might never hear of
Pion coiffé is a relatively uncommon handicap in modern tournament play, but it has been used in the past as a way to give weaker players a chance against stronger opponents.
Enter the Tamerlan’s Cage: Can you solve the most bizarre puzzle?
The cruel tactic employed by Tamerlan of imprisoning helpless captives in a cage appears to have had a profound impact on the ingenuity of future chess experts.
The retreat of Napoleon from Moscow: The famous problem
The solution of this puzzle is also limited by one more rule: Marshall Kutuzov must remain near the Czar, which means that the white king and the white queen are obliged to stay at adjacent squares all the time.
The history of chess clocks: Time is of the essence
From the early mechanical clocks of the late 19th century to the sophisticated electronic clocks of today, chess clocks have played a vital role in the game of chess.
The Fool’s Mate mysteries: Did it ever happen to you?
Every book for beginners answers the most fundamental question: What is the fastest way to deliver a checkmate?
En passant capture: Why does it exist?
En passant is one of those special chess rules that can surprise the less experienced players. Make sure you know everything about this rule, so you don’t get caught off guard!
The most famous chess blunders
These are just a few of the many famous chess blunders that have occurred throughout the history of the game. Even the best players in the world can make mistakes, and it is important to learn from them and continue to improve. Chess is a game of strategy and skill, and every move counts.
Why would anyone underpromote a pawn? Watch and learn
This is among a minority of positions where king and pawn can win against a king and rook, and one of the most famous examples of underpromotion in chess. It is also a rare example of a player being famous for a single move.