September 16, 2011

Why does White move first in chess?

Have you ever asked yourself why is White the one to make the first move on the board? I never seriously thought about it before, not until today. I don't even know what strange connections or associations took place in my head to come up with this question. Rules are rules and we don't really bother to wonder why they are there in the first place. But just like when you cannot remember a word, a name, and you are struggling with it the whole day long to bring it into memory, so this question gave me no peace until I started to look out for the answer. And it's pretty interesting!

The FIDE Laws of Chess are clear on who is moving first:
BASIC RULES OF PLAY


Article 1: The nature and objectives of the game of chess
1.1 The game of chess is played between two opponents who move their pieces alternately on a square board called a ‘chessboard’. The player with the white pieces commences the game.


But it wasn't always like that. As late as the mid-to-late 19th century, the practice of White moving first had not yet become standard: it was either white or black that could start the game!
In annotations of some of the old games you'll see "adjustments" saying the players have been inverted (black<->white) to comply with today's requirements (especially computer programs that don't accept black beginnings.

The most known game is the "immortal game", played between Adolf Anderssen and Lionel Kieseritzky:





Yes, I know, it looks like white had the first move but...that's not true and you can check for yourself in the original book: The Chess Player, written by Bernard Horwitz and Joseph Kling, published by R.Hastings in London, 1852.
You'll see that Black was the one to start the game:





I had absolutely no idea that I was looking at a mirrored game in my database!



Chess historian Robert John McCrary writes that the earliest rule he has found requiring that White move first is Rule 9 given on page 126 of the New York, 1880 tournament book, which specified, "In each round the players shall have the first move alternately; in the first game it shall be determined by lot. The one having the move, in every case, is to play with the white pieces."


Prior to that, it had gradually become conventional, over a number of years, to have White move first in published analysis, and by about 1862 to have White move first in all published games. But it was evident that players could in many cases choose Black when they had the first move, even if the published game-score indicated that White had moved first.


In 1889 Wilhelm Steinitz, the first World Champion, wrote that "In all international and public Chess matches and tournaments ... it is the rule for the first player to have the white men". Emanuel Lasker, the second World Champion, stated unequivocally in Lasker's Manual of Chess (first published in 1927) that "White makes the first move".


But we are still left with the same annoying question: WHY?!


We know now more or less when, but why does white move first?


Historically, chess has gone through a long metamorphosis, with the origins of white moving first being still unknown. There are a couple of opinions though, most of them circling around the same idea: racial politics on the first move.
Some argue that there are serious racial overtones in the game of chess : Psychiatrist Dr. Frances Cress-Welsing has used chess as a metaphor to describe racism within the context of her social "color-confrontation theory." While Dr. Welsing's theories have been long debated, there are some interesting truisms in her explanations. 


Another opinion, which has no credible sources, would be: 
"In medieval times black was thought to be a lucky colour. The white player was allowed to go first since the black player already had the advantage of the lucky colour." 
As funny as it sounds, I cannot possibly think of black as being lucky...I could argue here the cats, the witches, all coming from the medieval times. Only ancient Chinese regarded black as the king of colors and honored black longer than any other color. But to draw a conclusion out of this, I think it's premature.



So where lies the truth? No one probably knows. Its just something you follow. Like Math. You just follow the rules...



87 comments:

  1. In medieval problem manuscripts, Black is often given first move. To what extent black pieces were associated with the first move in actual games, we cannot know. Also, the normative colors in medieval chess are Black and Red, although we find other colors as well. As to why Black may have been favored in medieval chess, I can only speculate that medievals adopted it from the Persian game (see Murray, A History of Chess, p. 224). --Mark N. Taylor

    ReplyDelete
  2. In medieval times Black was highly regarded in Africa, for example, Mali and Songhai too. Before Medieval times, the (African) Moors, who also played chess, and came into Europe, regarded black as highly too and so maybe it is not that strange

    ReplyDelete
  3. some say chess needs Change....could color do the trick? To me the fixed color and style of the board and the pieces of the game take away certain home field advantages other sports bring along with them. It is interesting to check out win/loss records of a home team. Is home field advantage a myth? Does standard colors/boards/rules make chess more even or does chess need to change and let the home team come up with rules that they believe to benefit their champions?

    ReplyDelete
  4. To go along with black already being considered lucky, white was supposedly thought to need an advantage to make up for being the color of peace, or surrender during wartime.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Many ancient sets had colored pieces (red, green...) instead of black, for example, ivory stained sets. So is not so strange that some players preferred the colored side and thought it lucky.

    ReplyDelete
  6. One should look at both the pieces and there positions.

    ReplyDelete
  7. No credible source? Wiki "White and Black in Chess". ALSO, it wasn't the medieval times that Black was considered lucky, it was a fad in the time the rule was instituted (which was the 1800s).

    ReplyDelete
  8. The chess board is based on the story of cain and abel and also Jacob and Esau In the bible/Torah. The man of the sword moves first.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Time to change then. I guess lets toss the game. the coin to be tossed should be white and black

    ReplyDelete
  10. toms shoes
    new york giants jerseys
    ray ban sunglasses
    christian louboutin outlet
    michael kors outlet, http://www.michaelkorsoutletcanada.in.net
    thomas sabo
    ray ban sunglasses, http://www.raybansunglass.co.uk
    adidas outlet store, http://www.adidasoutletstore.us.com/
    cheap wedding dresses
    tiffany jewellery, http://www.tiffanyjewelleryoutlets.co.uk/
    ray ban uk, http://www.raybansunglass.co.uk
    nike roshe
    michael kors outlet
    ghd hair straighteners, http://www.ghdhairstraightenerssale.co.uk/
    cheap nfl jerseys, http://www.cheap-nfljersey.us.com/
    chanel handbags, http://www.chanelhandbags-outlet.co.uk/
    soccer shoes
    denver broncos jerseys
    mcm handbags
    cheap oakley sunglasses
    roshe run men
    michael kors outlet online, http://www.michaelkorsoutletonlinstore.us.com
    vibram fivefingers
    michael kors outlet online, http://michaelkors.outletonlinestores.us.com/
    replica watches, http://www.replicawatchesforsale.us.com/
    hermes bags, http://www.hermesbags.co.uk/
    cheap jordans, http://www.cheapjordanshoes.in.net/
    michael kors outlet store, http://www.michaelkorsoutlet-store.us.com
    chanel handbags
    louis vuitton, http://www.borselouisvuittonoutlet.it/
    gucci shoes
    prada outlet
    oklahoma city thunder jerseys
    oakley sunglasses
    0902maoqiuyun

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow. Thanks for sharing. Now check here top quotes messages and sms for happy new year 2016
    new year messages
    happy new year message
    new year sms
    happy new year quotes
    happy new year sms

    ReplyDelete
  12. Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed most commonly on December 25. Christmas coloring pages Disney printable Many cultures celebrate the event in some man

    ReplyDelete
  13. I never thought about this....thanks for sharing it!!

    Crazy Bulk

    ReplyDelete


  14. WWE PPV main events were rocking in 2015, hope this year it will rocks again, like all previous years all events were perfect now hope so this year also. It begins with royal rumble, then next WWE Fastlane 2016 live stream will be available on internet.
    Fastlane 2016 Results
    Fastlane 2016 Live Stream
    WWE Fastlane 2016 Live


    Really Horror Show American Horror Story, i ever watched, here are some more interesting tv shows like the walking dead, arrow, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones Season 6 Online we can stream, After watching these tv shows one can feel interested more an excited more.
    Game of Thrones Season 6
    Game of Thrones Season 6 Online
    Watch Game of Thrones Season 6
    Watch Game of Thrones Season 6 Online
    Watch Game of Thrones Season 6 Online Free
    Watch Game of Thrones Online
    Watch Game of Thrones Online Free
    Game of Thrones Season 6 Stream
    Game of Thrones Season 6 Streaming

    I watched this event, really very much interesting scenes created while selecting Miss Universe 2015. But here is one more .big event going to held Academy Awards 2016 here is direct link for this event.
    Academy Awards 2016 Nominations
    Oscar Awards 2016 Nominations
    Academy Awards 2016
    Oscar Awards 2016
    Academy Awards 2016 Live
    Oscar Awards 2016 Live
    Academy Awards 2016 Live Stream
    Oscar Awards 2016 Live Stream
    Academy Awards 2016 Winner
    Oscar Awards 2016 Winner

    All episodes of Torrent The Walking Dead Season 6 series are available here for viewers. These episodes can be watched online in HD Quality Like 1080 PX or 4K.
    The Walking Dead Season 6
    Walking Dead Season 6
    The Walking Dead Season 6 Online
    Walking Dead Season 6 Online
    Watch The Walking Dead Season 6
    Watch Walking Dead Season 6

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks for providing such a great info, you can see Easter Day Wishes In English plz like and share this post. Thanks Regards

    ReplyDelete
  16. When you wish to go to a certain stay soccer flow, a program known as a "streaming press server" smashes up the preferred data file into nfl live stream pieces known as packets.

    ReplyDelete
  17. When I first saw you, I was afraid to talk to you. When I first talked to you, I was afraid to like you. When I first liked you, I was afraid to love you. Now that I love you, I'm afraid to lose you.
    - quotes about love
    - snake game
    - chinese food near me
    - panama papers
    - Fancam

    ReplyDelete
  18. But come quick success with its own challenges, Marcia Kilgore Recognized brand founder. During our first three years we were growing so fast, we did not only fitflop sale t have the resources to focus on the US, as much as necessary, she said.Equally disheartening added Kilgore, was the burgeoning competition. We certainly experienced an onslaught of copycat brands, mizuno wave prophecy 3 she said. That our messaging Diluted and made no doubt consumers cautious category.§To beat the competition back and change the public perception, Began FitFlop managers to increase the quality, versatility and styling line. christian louboutin outlet The company now offers a range of year-round sneakers, casuals and boots for women, men and children, in the spring sold countries.For 52 12, the Horizon brand even expand his way with the christian louboutin shoes debut of trend-diffuser, a luxe more women s collection retailing at $ 350 of $ mbt shoes 275 (as compared to the $ 50 opening price point s Walkstar *). The collection includes the trend diffuser One, a number in the range of sneaker inspired ballerinas to Brogues; and Gladda, a sandal.
    Families focuses Schuhgeschaft Bender s Shoes & More opened a new location on Friday, in Duluth, Minnesota, USA. The opportunity to mizuno wave shoes enter the market came after a flood damaged a 4,000-sq.-ft. Verizon Wireless Store, the Bender Property LLC then bought and renovated. It sa much larger market than we already available in, mbt outlet so this is exciting for us, said owner Craig Bender, the chain has locations in Grand Rapids, Mich., And Hibbing, Minnesota, USA. [Duluth] Minnesota is s fourth largest city, so that christian louboutin sale there is a pretty good opportunity.
    "There is an attack shoes of clays [on the market]," said Sam Spears, VP Product and Marketing at MBT. "We did not expect it. We do not fitflop shoes think of MBT as clays. We thought as wellness in mind." According to Klaus Heidegger, majority shareholder, MBT has not seen today clays brands as competition, because they have the same core health and Mizuno Wave Prophecy 2 wellness not offer -Services as MBT. "It's a different audience," he said, adding that MBT has a more demanding customer base. "Our shoes affects the entire body. Compromise people is not with a $ mbt shoes outlet 100-mark by." Despite the more crowded market, MBT continues to grow, as in 1996, since the launch in Europe and in the US in 2003, Spears said. The brand experienced global increases from 2008 fitflop sandals to 2009 with similar results expected this year, for the privately held Swiss parent company, Masai Marketing & Trading AG.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello, You can watch Copa America 2016 live stream
    copa america live stream
    Copa America schedule

    ReplyDelete
  20. For the people who doesn't aware of the fact why it has to be always white first in chess, It is nothing about theories. We many are aware of the fact that chess was originated in India... But in the 18th and 19th century the British invaders took our game and introduced to Europe as their own.. The entire Europe and World thought the games was invented by Britain: But actually it is not invented by British, it was started during the 6th century ..

    ReplyDelete
  21. great post really appreciatable work
    That will be valuable to everyone who uses it, including myself. Many thanks!

    friendship day quotes
    new year wallpaper
    happy birthday quotes
    merry christmas greetings
    Economic Quotes
    Teachers Day Wishes
    sam's club

    ReplyDelete
  22. Awesome Hindi status share with your family and freinds.
    Love Hindi status
    Attitude status in Hindi
    Latest Hindi status


    ReplyDelete
  23. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Coach Outlet http://www.coachstoreoutlet.us.org

    Christian Louboutin Shoes http://www.christianlouboutinshoe.eu.com

    Valentino Shoes http://www.valentinoshoes.eu.com

    Michael Kors Outlet http://www.michaelkorsoutlet.us.org

    Coach Factory Outlet http://www.coachfactoryoutlet.us.org

    Coach Outlet Online http://www.coachoutletonlinestore.us.org

    Coach Purses http://www.coachpurse.us.com

    Kate Spade Outlet http://www.katespadefactoryoutlet.us.com

    Toms Shoes http://www.toms-shoes.name

    Hermes Belts http://www.hermesbelts.us.org

    Louis Vuitton http://www.louisvuitton-outletstores.us.com

    Fendi Handbags http://www.fendibelt.us.com

    Giuseppe Shoes http://www.giuseppezanotti.eu.com

    Michael Kors Outlet http://www.michael-kors-outlet.us.com

    Stephen Curry Shoes http://www.stephencurryshoes.us.com

    Salomon Shoes http://www.salomonshoes.eu.com

    North Face Outlet http://www.northfacesoutlet.in.net

    Coach Outlet http://www.outletcoach.in.net

    North Face Outlet http://www.northfacesoutlet.us.com

    Burberry Outlet http://www.burberryoutletstore.us.org

    North Face Outlet http://www.north-faceoutlets.in.net

    North Face Jackets http://www.outletnorthface.in.net

    Skechers Shoes http://www.skechersshoes.us.com

    Toms Outlethttp://www.tomsoutletstore.us.org

    North Face Outlet http://www.northfacestoreoutlet.us.org

    Nike Air Max http://www.nikeoutlet.us.org

    Nike Hoodies http://www.nikehoodies.us.com

    Marc Jacobs Handbags http://www.marcjacobshandbags.name

    Marc Jacobs Outlet http://www.marcjacobsoutletstore.us.com

    Jimmy Choo Shoes http://www.jimmy-chooshoes.us.com

    Jimmy Choos http://www.jimmychoos.in.net

    Burberry Belt http://www.burberrybelt.us.com

    Louis Vuitton Belt http://www.louisvuitton-belt.com

    Salvatore Ferragamo http://www.ferragamo-belt.us.com

    Marc Jacobs Handbags http://marcjacobshandbagsoutlet.blog.com

    Lululemon Outlet http://www.lululemonsoutlet.us.com

    True Religion Outlet http://www.truereligion-outlets.in.net

    Tommy Hilfiger http://www.tommyhilfigeroutlet.us.com

    Michael Kors Outlet http://www.outletmichaelkors.eu.com

    Coach Outlet http://www.outletcoach.eu.com

    Red Bottoms http://www.redbottom.in.net

    Kevin Durant Shoes http://www.kevindurantshoes.us.org

    New Balance Outlet http://www.newbalanceoutlet.in.net

    Adidas Outlet http://www.adidasoutlet.in.net

    Coach Outlet Online http://www.coachoutlet-online.eu.com

    Stephen Curry Jersey http://www.stephencurryjersey.us.com

    Vans Outlet http://www.vansoutlet.us.com

    Ralph Lauren Outlet http://www.ralphlauren-outletstore.in.net

    True Religion Outlet http://www.true-religionoutlets.in.net

    ED Hardy Outlet http://www.edhardyoutlet.in.net

    North Face Outlet http://www.northfaceoutlet.eu.com

    UGG Outlet http://www.uggoutlet.us.org

    UGG Outlet http://www.outletugg.in.net

    North Face Outlet http://www.northface--outlet.us.com

    Ugg Boots Sale http://www.uggbootssale.in.net

    UGGS For Women http://www.uggsforwomen.us.com

    Skechers Go Walk http://www.skechersgowalk.us.com

    Adidas Yeezy Boost http://www.adidasyeezyboost.in.net

    Adidas Yeezy http://www.adidasyeezy.us.com

    Adidas NMD http://www.adidas-nmd.us.org

    Coach Outlet http://www.coachoutletinc.us.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Awesome Latest Hindi status share with your family and freinds.
    Hindi status
    Hindi Attitude status
    Romantic Hindi Status

    ReplyDelete
  27. Bhutan abruptly shot to acclaim with the celebrated discourse by their Prime Minister asserting that Bhutan is Carbon nonpartisan, as well as Carbon negative. A period when our dear planet has sunk itself in huge amounts of contamination. Chessboard piece

    ReplyDelete
  28. Tapi jika penyakit ini tetap sukar untuk hilang maka segera periksakan diri ke dokter, namun jika anda ingin mencoba pengobatan alternative maka datanglah ke tempat kami, kami menyediakan berbagai ramuan herbal untuk menyembuhkan berbagai macam penyakit dan penyakit ambein adalah salah satu contohnya. Cara Mengobati Ambeien Stadium 4 bagaimana mengatasi penyakit ambeien..? selengkapnya silahkan kunjungi website

    ReplyDelete
  29. [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-intracom-8-vinh-ngoc]intracom riverside[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-intracom-8-vinh-ngoc]chung cu intracom riverside[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-mipec-highrise-kien-hung]chung cư Mipec Hà Đông[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-mipec-highrise-kien-hung]Mipec Hà Đông[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-mipec-highrise-kien-hung]chung cư Mipec Kiến Hưng[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-mipec-highrise-kien-hung]Mipec Kiến Hưng[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-mipec-highrise-kien-hung]chung cu Mipec Ha Dong[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-mipec-highrise-kien-hung]Mipec Ha Dong[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-mipec-highrise-kien-hung]chung cu Mipec Kien Hung[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-eurowindow-river-park-dong-tru]chung cư Eurowindow river park[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-eurowindow-river-park-dong-tru]chung cu Eurowindow river park[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-eurowindow-river-park-dong-tru]Eurowindow river park[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-eurowindow-river-park-dong-tru]chung cư Eurowindow đông anh[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-eurowindow-river-park-dong-tru]chung cu Eurowindow dong anh[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-eurowindow-river-park-dong-tru]Eurowindow đông anh[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-eurowindow-river-park-dong-tru]Eurowindow dong anh[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-eurowindow-river-park-dong-tru]chung cư Eurowindow đông hội[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-eurowindow-river-park-dong-tru]chung cư Eurowindow đông trù[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-sunshine-city]chung cư sunshine city[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-sunshine-city]chung cu sunshine city[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-sunshine-city]sunshine city[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-sunshine-city]Dự án sunshine city[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-sunshine-city]Bán chung cư sunshine city[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-sunshine-city]chung cư sunshine city phú thượng[/url]
    [url=http://dothinhadep.com/nha-dat/chung-cu-sunshine-city]chung cư sunshine city tây hồ[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  30. Start your web hosting reseller business by choosing best reseller hosting plan in India. LiveMNC provides you dedicated and powerful shared hosting at low

    cost of price. Check our Packages now.
    for more info: Best reseller hosting plan in India


    We Craft Stunning Websites, App and Digital Marketing.

    Cheap web hosting services in India
    Best App Development and Digital Marketing services in India

    professional affordable Website Designing & Development services

    worldwise Affordable & Effective professional Digital Marketing services company

    Local professional affordable Website Designing & Development services company worldwise


    Call: + 91-9461234545 |(Multi-channel)(LiveMNC.com)

    ReplyDelete