Chess: A game that provides the best exercise for the human brain is intelligence.

Chess is not just a game—it is a mental battle that exercises and sharpens the human brain. Known as the ultimate intellectual sport, chess has been a symbol of strategy, patience, and cognitive brilliance for centuries. The roots of competitive chess trace back to 16th-century Europe, and in 1886, Wilhelm Steinitz became the first official World Chess Champion.

Today, the world continues to witness the legacy of chess through champions like Viswanathan Anand, and rising stars such as Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Koneru Humpy, Vaishali, and Vidit Gujrathi. Recently, Gukesh made headlines by defeating World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen at the prestigious Norway Chess Tournament, prompting Carlsen to question whether he would continue playing classical chess.

But what exactly are the different forms of chess that players around the world compete in?

Understanding the Game

The chessboard consists of 64 black and white squares arranged in an 8x8 grid. Each player starts with 16 pieces—either black or white—and the one with the white pieces makes the first move. The goal is to checkmate the opponent's king, a situation where the king is in danger and no legal move can save it.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) governs the game and maintains the world rankings. Chess comes in several formats, each varying in pace and strategy.

1. Classical Chess

Also known as standard or slow chess, this is the longest and most traditional form—much like a Test match in cricket. Players have ample time to think before each move, significantly reducing the chances of errors. Time increments are also added after each move.
Classical games can last for hours and often end in a draw. The longest recorded classical game—between Ivan Nikolic and Goran Arsovic in Belgrade (1989)—lasted over 20 hours and 15 minutes, spanning 269 moves.

2. Rapid Chess

This format is faster than classical but slower than blitz—akin to a one-day cricket match. Each player gets 10 to 60 minutes for the entire game. The time pressure is higher, increasing the chances of mistakes. As the clock winds down, players often take risks, making for an intense and dynamic match.

3. Blitz Chess

The blitz format is the T20 of chess—fast, thrilling, and unforgiving. Each player gets a maximum of 10 minutes to complete their game. Quick thinking is essential, and games are typically over in just a few minutes. The first official World Blitz Chess Championship was held in 2006.

4. Bullet Chess

Even faster than blitz, bullet chess is popular online and involves games lasting just 1 to 3 minutes per player. This ultra-fast format demands instinctive moves and lightning reflexes, often leaving no room for deep thought.

5. Chess960 (Fischer Random Chess)

Invented by Bobby Fischer, Chess960 randomizes the starting positions of the back-rank pieces (excluding pawns). This variation tests a player’s adaptability and creativity rather than memorized openings. It ensures a more level playing field by preventing players from relying solely on pre-studied sequences.

Other Unique Variants

There are also entertaining and unconventional chess types such as:

• Giveaway Chess / Antichess – where the goal is to lose all your pieces.

• Three-Check Chess – win by checking the opponent three times.

• Bughouse and Pair Chess – team-based variations.