Meet your match by playing chess online with players the world over. Whether you're looking for a social game or a highly competitive challenge, there are always hundreds of players available at all skill levels ranging from beginner to grand master. Chess is considered to be the oldest game of skill in the world. Many countries lay claim to its invention, but it is currently believed that the game originated in India because the Persian word for chess, shatranj, is derived from the Sanskrit chaturanga, which translates as "four divisions of the military", infantry, cavalry, elephants and chariots, represented respectively by pawn, knight, bishop and rook. The game spread to Europe in the 1200s through trade routes, where the rules were soon modified. By 1475 several major changes took hold and rendered the game as it is essentially played today. The first modern chess tournament was held in London in 1851. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries the game flourished with tournaments held in countries around the globe. Whether you’re planning to compete in a major chess tournament yourself or just want to exercise your mind, playing chess online is the perfect past time. Enjoy!