This tournament chess board is regulation size according to the United States Chess Foundation (USCF). It measures 21 x 21 inches with each square measuring 2.25 x 2.25 inches. The Kings measure 4 inches tall. There are two queens in each color for the pawn promotion strategy. Chess is one of the world's most popular and beloved games with over 600 million players worldwide. The game is played in chess clubs, homes, and schools, online, via mail or email, and in tournaments. Early forms of chess are thought to have originated in northern India or Afghanistan sometime prior to 600 A.D. The game first came to Europe via Italy and Spain from Persia through trade routes around 1000 A.D. Another theory suggests the game was brought to Europe by the Moors who invaded Spain in the 8th century. Vikings took the game further north to Scandinavia and Iceland. Chess as we know it today emerged in Southern Europe during the second half of the 15th century.Today's chessmen were given their names by Europeans who probably were unable to pronounce the Persian names for the pieces. The six different chess pieces offer a snap shot of medieval life with its ceremonies, wars, and grandeur. The king, queen, bishop, rook, knight, and pawn represent the very way in which the ordinary men and noblemen lived their lives during medieval times.The next time you play chess, know that you belong to a beloved tradition extending through many generations and embracing many nations.
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