The WhatsApp group, simply known as Africa Lichess Events, has been going strong since its creation on September 28th, 2017. Over the years, it has become a hive of activity, bringing together chess enthusiasts from across the African continent. The group comprises individuals of various ages and backgrounds, all united by their love for the game of chess and those who love playing chess online, especially on Lichess. At the time of posting this article, the WhatsAppp group had just under 300 members.

The Africa Lichess Events group has become a platform for players to connect, share their experiences, and discuss everything related to chess. It is truly remarkable to witness the passion and dedication that these players have for the game. Even after taking a break from chess and the group, returning members find that the community has only grown stronger, with more players joining and contributing to the lively discussions.

One of the most exciting aspects of the group is the opportunity to interact with some of Africa’s top chess players. These talented individuals take time out of their busy schedules to participate in conversations and share their insights with fellow chess enthusiasts. It is a privilege to be able to learn from and engage with such accomplished players.

The love for chess within the Africa Lichess Events group is truly inspiring. The conversations never seem to end, with members constantly discussing strategies, analyzing games, and sharing their experiences. It is not uncommon to find hundreds of messages posted within a week, showcasing the group’s unwavering dedication to the game.

The Origins of Chess: A Fascinating Tale

The origins of chess can be traced back to ancient India, where a game called Chaturanga was played as early as the 6th century. Chaturanga, which means “four divisions” in Sanskrit, was a game of strategy played on a checkered board, similar to modern-day chess.

According to legend, the game of Chaturanga was invented by a wise man named Sissa. The ruler of India asked Sissa to create a game that would teach the principles of war and leadership. Sissa came up with a game that represented the four divisions of the Indian army: infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots.

As the game spread from India to Persia, it underwent some modifications and became known as Shatranj. The Persians added the concept of checkmate, which means “the king is dead” in Persian. From Persia, the game travelled to the Islamic world, where it gained popularity among the ruling class and scholars.

During the Islamic conquest of Spain in the 8th century, the game was introduced to Europe. It was in Europe that the game evolved into its modern form, with the introduction of new pieces like the queen and bishop, as well as changes to the rules of movement.

Throughout history, chess has been regarded as a game of intellect, strategy, and skill. It has been played by kings, queens, and commoners alike, transcending social and cultural boundaries. Today, chess remains a beloved pastime for millions of people around the world, including the dedicated members of the Africa Lichess Events group, who continue to celebrate and promote the game across the African continent.

Before the author got busy writing this article, he was soundly beaten in bullet chess by a fellow member of the Africa Lichess Events, known popularly as Beamer and decided that he had taken enough lessons for the evening. As the WhatsApp group’s tagline goes, Africa Lichess Events is indeed the Happy Home of African Chess Players.