"Chess is one of the few arts where composition takes place simultaneously with performance." Garry Kasparov
When someone says that chess is an art, the first thing that comes to mind is the intricately designed chess pieces that decorate the chessboard. Yes, agreeably you would say that chess is art because you know that over the years chessboards have come to be made from different materials. There are chessboards made of glass, ivory, wood, clay, stone as well as chessboards made of plastic. It surely does take time, effort, and thought in order to create the perfect chessboard and chess pieces. So the person who creates the chessboard and sculpts the chess pieces is actually the artist, right?
But did you know that playing chess is a form of art as well?
You might be slightly puzzled at the thought of playing chess being a form of art but what is art in essence? The truth is the way that you choose to define art will determine if you will actually consider chess to be an art form or not. To each his own, but according to us, moving the chess pieces around strategically on the chessboard can be considered a form of art.
Superprof undeniably acknowledges that playing chess is a form of art that entails both composition and performance much like the composition and performance required for all forms of dance. Dance, however, you cannot deny is certainly an art form. So if dance which entails perfect composition and the showcasing of a stellar performance is an art form, why can't playing chess be considered a form of art too?
The Art of Chess
Chess originated in the 6th centaury AD and was first played in India. As expected, chess having originated from India was called, "Chaturanga," not chess. This traditionally two player game inspired by the four divisions within an army, started being played in Persia. The way chess spread and became called, "Chess," is history. However, for as long as we know, people have appreciated the way that this art form has captivated many. There have been and still is numerous paintings done which depict both the chess players and the chessboard. The artistic qualities of each painting which depicts a game of chess must be acknowledged as art in itself as well.
Get some tips on how Chess a Form of Mindfulness? on Superprof
The above tableau from 1283 certainly does evoke some feelings as does all forms of art. In the same vein, for the true chess enthusiast, a game of chess has the potential of evoking an amalgamation of emotions even though both chess players are sitting relatively still and motionless.
While there are certain feelings felt during play, chess playing also entails a fair amount of mindfulness from both chess players who are expected to remain dedicated throughout play.
So is chess art itself or is chess just a form of art?
Chess was a game that was played to keep bored soldiers busy in between fighting wars. Will you still look at chess as an art form or can you deduce that chess is just a game?
Undeniably, strategies and philosophies required to succeed in a game of chess is what could actually be used to define chess as an art form. Everything from the aesthetics of the game aid in defining chess as an art form. Just think about how beautifully chess pieces are designed and how every move of the chess piece flows in order to make the complete game of chess which is in itself a masterpiece.
Speaking of a masterpiece, the way each chess piece has strategically been given a rank and the way that the chess pieces support each other is also a form of art.
Could the intuition required by the chess players who are wishing to be masters of the chessboard not be considered art as well?
Well, artists and painters have the intuition to know which colour palate works best for a specific painting much in the same way that chess plays have the intuition to know which moves will be best executed on the chessboard before they even make these moves. Guessing how the other player will respond to a movement and basing your movements on the previously studied movements of your opponent requires talent. Let's face it, a fair amount of talent is needed to succeed at art. A fair amount of talent is needed to succeed at this form of art: chess.
Don't confuse our persistence in believing that chess is a form of art with the statement that, "Chess is art". Chess is not art but oftentimes it is seen as such because there are quite a few similarities between chess and other art forms.
Arguably, it can also be argued that chess is a sport, and we bet you will nod in agreement with that statement.
Check out the Many Faces of Chess on Superprof
Chess and Art: Looking at the Art of War
Are we saying that war is a form of art? Most certainly not! However, the art of war is usually defined as strategies to succeed at war. The chessboard as it was developed was actually seen as two opponents on either side going to war with each other.
More so, the chessboard was one of the strategies used to help soldiers prepare for battle. Did you know that there is a belief that the first army to reach the battlefield will win the battle?
Think about a game of chess... If you start play, your chances of winning the game is higher because you would have more time to strategize moving your chess pieces to key positions on the chessboard.
Just like in war, you cannot just attack if you have not scanned the field to see if you are safe to attack. In a game of chess, you cannot attack your opponent's king unless you have evaluated your resources and you know that you are in the correct position to launch an attack.
While war is not a form of art, the metaphor of comparing the chessboard to a battlefield surely is an artistic use of words.
See why and how Chess is Considered a Sport? on Superprof
Is Chess Art Or Is Chess a Form of Art?
So what is the verdict: is chess art or not?
While chess is not art itself, it is a form of artistic expression whereby a chess player expresses his talent in the form of playing on a chessboard.
Art is defined as the showcase of skills and chess is someone showcasing his or her skills during play. Just like you can learn art, there is no reason why you cannot learn how to play chess well.
Art is a result of learning and practice and you are expect to learn how to play chess and practice playing the game thereafter.
So chess may not be art itself but it can be classified as an art form on its own.
See why and how Chess is Considered Science? on Superprof
Learn about Chess commonalities and how it is a sport here.
Just like you would do when taking on art classes, when playing a game of chess you need to develope the ability to:
- visualise
- recognise patterns
- evaluate your movement/s
- plan your moves
- change your moves according to moves made by your player
- take calculated risks
If Beth Harmon from, The Queen's Gambit, has taught us anything it is that in order to succeed and be the master of chess, you need to visualise your moves on the chessboard even before you make these moves.
If artists have taught as anything it is that you must acknowledge patterns. In chess, a core element of success is the chess player's ability to acknowledge and identify patterns. When you watch people play chess, you will see that a core feature of the game is the players' ability to evaluate the best positions for their chess pieces.
Like artists who employ a certain technique (often one tried and tested) in order to achieve their masterpiece, the chess player needs to strategize and keep in mind possible techniques that will help the him or her achieve success of the chessboard.
Many artists think ahead of the emotions that a painting will evoke in those who view it, the chess player too needs to think ahead to what the best possible next few moves may be. They also need to think what implications a move made on their side of the board can have on their opponent.
If you are new to the game of chess, we wouldn't blame you if you don't see chess as anything other than a game defined by concrete rules. You do need to become accustomed to the positions that the various chess pieces can move to if you are keen on experiencing the artistic pleasure that the game offers. Baby steps will allow you to learn the game well. Once you start getting the hang of the game, there is no denying that you will derive utmost pleasure from playing a game of chess. The same pleasure you feel when staring a painting that thugs at heart strings, that is the same feeling you will feel when you are about to capture the king of your opponent.
Just like that, checkmate! Chess is a form of art but we don't blame you if you still think that chess is more of a science than it is an art form.
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