Portarlington Neighbourhood Chess Club

Chess History

Chess has a long, distinguished history going back to the 6th Century. 

It is commonly accepted that Chess as we know it originated in India from chaturanga, a popular four-player war game.  The Persians introduced the notions of "check" and "checkmate". Then it made its way to Europe in the 9th century, evolving in to its current form in the 15th century. Chess clocks that were first used in 1883 and the first world chess championship was held in 1886.It was contested by Wilhelm Steinitz (winner) and Johannes Zukertort and took place in the United States. In the 20th century came Chess Federations and chess engines.

The current World Chess Grand Master is Magnus Carlsen (Sven Magnus Øen Carlsen), born Norway 30 November 1990. He became a Grandmaster in 2004 and World Champion in 2013 to the present.

Chess is also part of today’s popular culture. The 2020 Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit”, follows the story of child chess prodigy Elizabeth Harmon.

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Most important in the World History of Chess the Portarlington Chess Club was established in February 2018!

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Benefits of Chess

Chess has many benefits.

It is an effective way to improve memory function, allowing the mind to solve complex problems and work through ideas. 

The top five health benefits of playing Chess include: 

Increases brain growth
Raises IQ level
Improves memory
Helps in preventing Alzheimer Disease
Improves concentration. 

And, it is FUN!