Artigenda
International Chess Day
When: yearly, July 20.
In honour of the foundation of the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), better known as the umbrella body of national chess associations, in 1924, every year on 20 July is International Chess Day.
1966
In 1966, UNESCO determined that 20 July would henceforth be dedicated to chess in honour of the founding of FIDE. This is not without reason, as 181 national federations are affiliated with this organisation. FIDE is responsible for chess tournaments all over the world. In addition, FIDE organises numerous events related to chess. The UN did not recognise the day until 2019 through the General Assembly via an official resolution.
Seventy percent
It is, of course, a good question exactly how popular chess is. According to a survey conducted in 2020 by YouGov, seventy per cent of adults in the United States, Germany, India, Russia and the United Kingdom have sat in front of a chess board at some point in their lives. More about this survey can be found via Chess.com.
Origin of the game
It is not clear exactly where chess came from. That it is an ancient game is clear. People do say that its origin is to be sought in Greece, but no conclusive evidence can be found for this. However, there is talk of people playing chess, for example Helen of Troy. That is only something different from playing chess.
Other theories assume an origin of the game to be in China or Uzbekistan. Still others assume a genesis in India.
Good to know...
On Chesshistory.com, you would expect an answer. Yet that answer is not to be found there. That website is a treasure trove for chess enthusiasts. A better overview can be found via Britannica.
What else is good to know: FIDE decided in 2023 to modify the rules of chess in a very negative way for transgender people. This makes the day extra fraught and gave it a very negative connotation. On the other hand, the day is more than just FIDE. It is about chess and for that, if you want to do it without competitions, you don’t need FIDE. On the other hand, it is too idiotic for words that FIDE has allowed itself to be led by the ant-trans lobby.
