When Chess Competitions Began Worldwide – A Historic Timeline

Chess, as a structured competitive activity, began to take shape in the 19th century. Although modern chess rules were established around 1475, the first formal chess tournament was held in Leeds in 1841. This was soon followed by a knockout tournament in London in 1849 and a significant event was held Amsterdam in 1851. The first true international chess tournament took place in London in 1851 during the Great Exhibition setting the standard for future global competitions and highlighting the need for time controls in chess.

After 1851, international chess tournaments proliferated rapidly with major events in cities like Berlin, Paris, New York and Vienna. By the end of World War II there were 24 international tournaments annually and by 1990 that number had surged to over a thousand.

Chess Olympiads and FIDE

In 1924, an attempt was made to include chess in the Olympic Games but due to difficulties distinguishing amateurs from professionals it was not included. Instead the first unofficial Chess Olympiad was held in Paris in 1924, coinciding with the Olympics. The Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) was founded at this event, and it has since organized the official Chess Olympiad every two years since 1950 with participation growing from 16 countries in 1927 to over 127 by 1990.

                                            World Chess Championship

The World Chess Championship is the pinnacle of individual chess competition. The first recognized World Chess Champion was Wilhelm Steinitz, who claimed the title in 1872 and officially won it in 1886. Since then the championship has evolved, with FIDE taking over its organization in 1948 and the event continuing to crown the world's best players to this day.

               The Championship has evolved, with FIDE taking over its Organization in 1948

Chess as a Global Platform

Chess tournaments have also played a diplomatic role, acting as a neutral ground for international cultural exchange and collaboration especially during times of geopolitical tension.

B

R

A

I

N

S

H

A

R

P

E

N

E

R

Z

Z

T

A

I

M

E

Z

1. When was the first international chess tournament held?

A) 1841  

B) 1849  

C) 1851  

D) 1924  

Answer:

2. Which organization is responsible for organizing the Chess Olympiad?

A) IOC  

B) FIFA  

C) FIDE  

D) PCA  

Answer:

3. Who was the first officially recognized World Chess Champion?

A) Paul Morphy  

B) Wilhelm Steinitz  

C) Emanuel Lasker  

D) Adolf Anderssen  

Answer:

4. In what year was FIDE founded?

A) 1851  

B) 1924  

C) 1948  

D) 1990  

Answer:

5. How often are Chess Olympiads held since 1950?

A) Every year  

B) Every two years  

C) Every four years  

D) Every five years  

Answer:

6. Which country hosted the first official Chess Olympiad?

A) France  

B) United Kingdom  

C) Russia  

D) United States  

Answer:

7. What is the primary format used in the Isle of Man International chess tournament?

A) Knockout  

B) Round Robin  

C) Swiss-system  

D) Blitz  

Answer:

8. Who is the current (as of 2024) World Chess Champion?

A) Magnus Carlsen  

B) Ding Liren  

C) Gukesh D  

D) Viswanathan Anand  

Answer:

9. Which international event tried to include chess in 1924?

A) World Expo  

B) Olympic Games  

C) World Fair  

D) Pan-American Games  

Answer:

10. What role does chess play in international relations?

A) Only a sport  

B) Diplomatic and cultural bridge  

C) Economic competition  

D) None of the above  

Answer: