Chess, an internationally recognized game, is a strategic two-player board game. The board consists of a grid of eight squares by eight squares, totaling sixty-four squares, alternating in black and white (or dark and light) colors.

There are thirty-two pieces divided equally between black and white, comprising one king, one queen, two rooks, two bishops, two knights, and eight pawns for each side. Each piece has unique movement rules to checkmate the opponent's king.

Chess is known for its high level of competitiveness, a rich variety of strategies, and profound intellectual challenges. Originating in Arabia and later spreading to Europe, it has become a globally popular intellectual sport, even being recognized as an official event in the Olympic Games.

In a chess game, one player controls the white pieces, while the other contains the black ones. The game begins with the player holding the white pieces and making the first move, after which players take turns until the game concludes. Chess, or Western chess, is a game played between two opponents.

The chessboard consists of sixty-four alternating black and white squares. The pieces are divided into black and white colors, each having sixteen pieces.

Chess pieces move in various ways:

1. King: Can move horizontally, vertically, or diagonally but only one square at a time. The king cannot put itself in a position where an opponent's piece can capture it. Such a move is considered illegal, known as "exposing the king," and results in a penalty. After three illegal moves, the game is declared lost.

2. Queen: Can move horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, with no limit to the number of squares moved, but cannot leap over other pieces.

3. Rook: Can move horizontally or vertically, with no limit to the number of squares moved, but cannot move diagonally. Rooks can only leap over pieces during casting.

4. Bishop: Moves diagonally, with no limit to the number of squares moved, but cannot leap over other pieces. Each player starts with two bishops, one on a light square and the other on a dark square.

5. Knight:Moves in an L-shape: two squares in one direction followed by one square perpendicular to that direction, or one square in one direction followed by two squares perpendicular to that direction. Knights can leap over other pieces.

6. Pawn: Moves forward only, typically one square at a time, but can move two squares forward on its first move. Pawn captures diagonally one square ahead.

In a standard chess game, the objective is to checkmate the opponent's king. The rules dictate that when a king is under threat of capture by an opponent's piece, it is in check, and the player must move to remove the threat. If a player's king is in checkmate, meaning it is under attack and cannot escape capture, the game is over, and the attacking player wins. Other outcomes besides checkmate include stalemate and draw by agreement or time.

On December 12, 2019, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed July 20 as World Chess Day to commemorate the establishment of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in Paris on July 20, 1924.

Upon the initiative of FIDE, chess players worldwide have celebrated World Chess Day on July 20 every year since 1966.

The formal establishment of World Chess Day by the United Nations acknowledges the role of FIDE in promoting international cooperation in chess activities. It provides an important platform for fostering dialogue, unity, and a culture of peace among people worldwide.