How did chess start?

Welcome to History’s Not Boring by kidopoly.com! Join your hosts, Mira and Finn, as they uncover the incredible 1,500-year-old mystery behind a game you might even play on your tablet today: Chess! Did you know that this brain-busting game didn't start with queens and bishops? Long ago in ancient India, it was called "chaturanga" and the pieces looked just like an Indian army! Imagine playing with tiny elephants, racing chariots, galloping horses, and brave foot soldiers!

Follow the game as it travels along the dusty trails of the Silk Road all the way to Persia. You'll learn how the Persian word for king—"Shah!"—turned into the word "Check!" we shout today! Then, watch the game transform as it reaches Europe. Discover how the elephant piece turned into a bishop, and how the king's helper, the vizier, became the mighty, super-powerful Queen! Kings and emperors used to play this game obsessively, and now you can too. Get ready to explore the greatest battle of minds ever invented! It’s time to make your move!