Chess is one of the world's most popular games; it has been described not only as a game, but also as an art, science, and sport. Chess is sometimes seen as an abstract wargame; as a "mental martial art", and teaching chess has been advocated as a way of enhancing mental prowess.

Chess is in no way a game of chance as some may think. It is played, won or lost solely on tactics and strategy. The game is so complex that not even the best players can consider all contingencies. With only 64 squares and 32 pieces on the board, the number of possible games that can be played far exceeds the number of atoms in the universe....!!!