Chess FAQs
Why is chess called the game of kings?
For many centuries chess was played primarily by nobility and the upper class. The names of the pieces (Queen, king, knight rook and bishop) also came about during this time.
Where does the word Checkmate come from?
Checkmate comes from the Persian phrase “shah mat,” which means “the king is defeated.”
How long does a game of chess usually last?
Chess games can last hours or minutes depending on the skill of the players and the luck of the players. There are professional games which have ended in only one move, and others that have lasted over 250 moves. The longest time recorded for a player to make a move on a professional level is 2 hours and 20 minutes. So the length of the game really just depends on who is playing and what moves are made.