1986.
History of the original West End production (1986–1989) Chess premiered in London’s West End on 14 May 1986 at the Prince Edward Theatre.
When was the first chess tournament played in London?
London 1851
London 1851 was the first international chess tournament. The tournament was conceived and organised by English player Howard Staunton, and marked the first time that the best chess players in Europe would meet in a single event.
How old is the London System chess?
The early history begins with James Mason, an Irish-born chess player and one of the best chess players of the 1880s. In the early years, the London System was known as the Mason Variation. James Mason played it several times during the 1880s. In 1922, the British Chess Federation Congress was organized in London.
Who invented London System chess?
James Mason
The first prominent proponent of the London System
In fact, one name appeared more often than all the others: James Mason, the author of the well-known chess books “The Principles of Chess” and “The Art of Chess”.
Why is London opening in chess good?
The London, while not a bad opening, is considered “safe” because it is, primarily, a very solid position for white; but it is not particularly ambitious as it does not hit back in the center as successfully as an early c4 does. It can be played against 1… d5 or the King’s Indian Defense.
When did chess become popular in England?
During the 18th century, the center of the chess world switched to western Europe to areas like France. Matches were played in large coffee houses in large cities such as London and Paris. It wasn’t until the 19th century that chess became widely known.
When did chess open in the West End?
1986
History of the original West End production (1986–1989)
Chess premiered in London’s West End on 14 May 1986 at the Prince Edward Theatre.
Do grandmasters play the London System?
Nowadays it is hard to find a strong grandmaster that has never played the London System. It is mostly thanks to the current world champion Magnus Carlsen that this opening has become trendy.
What is the oldest chess opening?
The Ponziani
The Ponziani is one of the oldest known openings, having been first discussed in chess literature by no later than 1497. It was mentioned in both of the earliest chess treatises: the Repetición de Amores y Arte de Ajedrez con ci Iuegos de Partido by Lucena and the Göttingen manuscript.
Is 1700 good at chess?
1700-1900: a very good chess player. Makes few mistakes. Has reached a level of mastery that most Chess players will never reach.
Did the British invent chess?
Chess was invented in India around the 8th century. Then it was known as chatrang, and changed over the centuries by the Arabs, Persians and then ultimately the medieval Europeans, who changed the pieces’ names and appearances to resemble the English court.
Can Black play the London System?
Nf3. Beginners will find it easier to adopt the London System because it is a system-based opening that prioritizes rapid development. Yes, indeed, Black will often reach positions where White has a slight advantage, or the position is theoretically equal.
Who is the father of chess?
Wilhelm Steinitz, the first World Champion, widely considered the “father of modern chess,” extensively analyzed various double king-pawn openings (beginning 1. e4 e5) in his book The Modern Chess Instructor, published in 1889 and 1895.
What is the weakest chess opening?
Of the twenty possible first moves in chess, author and grandmaster Edmar Mednis argues that 1. f3 is the worst.
What is the most offensive chess opening?
4 Most Aggressive Chess Openings That You Should Know
- The Smith-Morra Gambit. This particular defence often leads to a very intriguing and captivating game.
- The Bird’s Opening. This strategy has been ranked as one of the most popular openings.
- Vienna Opening.
- The Italian Game.
- Conclusion.
Why are the Soviets so good at chess?
Why are the Russians and their neighbors so good at chess? Because the Soviets subsidized the game. Chess has long been popular in Russia—Czar Ivan IV is thought to have died while playing a match in 1584. After the Bolsheviks took power in 1917, it became a national pastime.
When did chess become mainstream?
The popularity of chess in the Western courtly society peaked between the 12th and the 15th centuries. The game found mention in the vernacular and Latin language literature throughout Europe, and many works were written on or about chess between the 12th and the 15th centuries.
Which country invented chess?
India
Where Did Chess Originate? The earliest form of the game that’s now called chess can be dated back to India in the sixth century. Like the modern game, this predecessor, called chaturanga (or catur) was played on an 8×8 grid and featured pieces generally similar to those of modern chess.
Which city is called home of chess?
Elista, Kalmykia, in Russia.
What is the oldest chess club in the world?
The Edinburgh Chess Club – promoting chess since 1822.
Where is the oldest chess set?
Discovered in 1831 on Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, they may constitute some of the few complete, surviving medieval chess sets, although it is not clear if a set as originally made can be assembled from the pieces.
| Lewis chessmen | |
|---|---|
| Present location | British Museum National Museum of Scotland |
| NMS website entry |