Are Checkers and Chess Considered Board Games?

It is widely understood that both checkers and chess are classified as board games. Both are played on a board with a grid layout, involve two players, and require strategic thinking. However, the modes of play and complexity of these games differ significantly, making each unique in its own right.

What are Board Games?

The term 'board game' generally refers to games played on a board with a grid layout, engaging two or more players, and involving strategic thinking. Board games are among the oldest games known to humanity, with various forms and rules evolving over millennia.

Checkers (Draughts)

Checkers, also known as Draughts, is a simpler game that centers around capturing the opponent's pieces. The roots of this game date back to approximately 7000 BP (Before Present), found in the city of Ur in the Persian Gulf. This makes checkers one of the oldest known board games. The game is characterized by its simplicity, making it easy to teach and spread through generations via word of mouth.

Chess

Chess, on the other hand, is a more complex game, with each piece having its unique movements and strategies. Its history can be traced back to the game Chaturanga, which was played in Eastern India as early as 1700 BP. The rules of chess were standardized in Europe by the end of the 15th century, and have remained relatively unchanged since then.

Other Board Games

While checkers and chess are indeed board games, there are numerous other games you might enjoy, such as:

Shogi: A board game similar to chess, originating from Japan. Backgammon: A two-player game with a rich history, similar to the Ur artifact. Go: One of the oldest board games with texts mentioning it as far back as 2548 BP. Scrabble: A word game involving tiles with letters. Pente: A board game with a concept similar to Go, but played on a 13×13 grid. Abalone: A two-player strategy board game played on a hexagonal board. Kensington Game: A board game with sliding movement and strategic elements. Arimaa: A board game based on the military movements of six animals.

I am a board game inventor, and my main game is Tines and Barbs. I also created a new game called Pythagorean Tic Tac Toe, which is similar in simplicity to Tic Tac Toe but vastly more complex than the ancient game Go.

The Debate: Board Game vs. Sport

Interestingly, there have been debates over whether chess should be considered a sport. Chess players often play blindfolded, exchanging moves via chess notation without visualizing the board. This has led some to argue that chess is a mental sport.

Chess has been recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee. In many countries, chess tournaments can attract significant funding and support. However, in the UK, the government and courts have been resistant to this recognition, often due to the misconception that chess merely involves passing time on a board rather than requiring rigorous physical or mental effort.

In conclusion, whether you are a fan of checkers or chess, there is a vast world of board games waiting for you. Each game offers a unique experience and a way to challenge your mind in different ways.