The history of chess spans some 1500 years and probably had its origin in India. The early form had four military divisions: infantry, cavalry, elephantry, and chariotry, represented by the pieces that would become the modern pawn, knight, bishop, and rook.

The game spread throughout the world with many variations. In Europe, the game survived a series of prohibitions and Christian Church sanctions. In the 19th century, reliable reference works, competitive chess tournaments and exciting new variants added to the game's popularity.

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