Skip to main content

A brief history of chess - Alex Gendler

10,781,956 Views

12,166 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

The attacking infantry advances, their elephants already having broken the defensive line. The king tries to retreat, but the enemy flanks him from the rear. Escape is impossible. This isn’t a real war— nor is it just a game. Over the 1,500 years of its existence, chess has been known as a military strategy tool, a metaphor for human affairs and a measure of genius. Alex Gendler shares its history.

What effect did the introduction of the queen piece have on chess?

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Alex Gendler
  • Director Remus Buznea, Kyriaki Kyriakou
  • Narrator Adrian Dannatt
  • Animator Remus Buznea, Kyra Kupetsky
  • Art Director Remus Buznea, Kyra Kupetsky
  • Sound Designer Stephen Eugene Larosa
  • Composer Stephen Eugene Larosa
  • Music Stephen Eugene Larosa
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Associate Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
  • Fact-Checker Brian Gutierrez

More from The World's People and Places