It is said that chess was originated in Asia and invented by Asians. It has a history of about 2000 years. Before 1960s, chess historians of USSR reckoned its cradleland as Ancient India. According to the theory of India origin, Chatrang, the popular game in India during the 5th and 6th A.D. was the predecessor of the primal chess. But in recent decade, chess historians of UK, Yugoslavia and Russia brought forward many counter evidences, indicating that chess and Chinese chess were all evolved from the Liubo Qi (Six-throwing-chopstick Board Game), which was prevalent in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period of China. So they thought the earliest origin of chess is in China rather than India. And it was changed into the present chess by Europeans. Nowadays, the chess origin debate is being widely spread in the chess historiography circles all over the world. It is yet premature to draw a conclusion. According to China's unearthed relics, as early as before the Northern Song Dynasty, "chess" was represented by a small chessboard with black and white squared arranged in an eight-by-eight grid, on the brocade decorated by patterns of "musical instrument, chess, book and painting". Be it is thus clear that at least 1000 years ago, there was already a popular game like the present chess among the people in China.
In mid 19th century, chess officially became a competition item. In 1924, it was listed as an Olympic item and the World Chess Federation was established in the same year. Now, the World Chess Federation hosts or consigns member country to host the following important cosmopolitan competitions: Chess Olympiad, World Team Championship, World Championship, World Student Team Chess Championship, World Junior Champion and Team Chess Championship for each continent. Moreover, there are innumerable cup challenges, invitational tournaments, master tournaments, grandmaster tournaments, rating competitions, etc.
Chess Olympiad: It is the biggest competition held by World Chess Federation. Essentially, this event is the World-level Team Chess Competition, held every two years. Since 1984, World Chess Federation has made a decision on its venue – one in Greece, the cradle of the Olympics and one in other regions in the world. The 1st Chess Olympiad was held in London, in 1927. During World War II, it was halted for a time. Before 1957, there was only men’s team competition. Women’s team was accepted after that year. In the past few years, more and more teams have joined in. The number of men’s teams grew to almost 90, and women’s team to more than 40.
World Team Chess Tournament: It was founded in 1985 and is held every two years. Participants must be the top 6 of Chess Olympia or champions of each state. The first World Team Chess Tournament held in Switzerland took place in 1985 and 10 teams participated at that time.
World Championship: It is held every three years. The process covers regional qualifying trials, regional competition, candidate competition and world champion dual meet. Among all competitions organized by World Chess Federation, it is of the highest level and longest cycle.
