WHO LOVES CHESS?! Raise your hands!!!
This spectacular mind game characterized by strategy, swashbuckling attacks, clever combinations, piece sacrifices & dynamic gameplay has been around for over 1,500 years and considered as an elite sport that stimulates the mind and challenges men to battle not with swords but with wits. Let these 11 mind-bending Chess tattoos from realistic to traditional style blow your mind and encourage you to play Chess with style! ;) Learn & Enjoy!
![chess game inspired piece](https://d1kq2dqeox7x40.cloudfront.net/images/news_uploads/legacy/0/15625.jpg)
Chess was believed to have originated in India before the 6th century AD and spread through Southern Europe.
![chess game inspired piece](https://d1kq2dqeox7x40.cloudfront.net/images/news_uploads/legacy/0/15626.jpg)
Its early form in the 6th century was known as chaturaṅga, which translates as "four divisions (of the military)": infantry,cavalry, elephantry, and chariotry. These forms are represented by the pieces that would evolve into the modern pawn, knight, bishop, and rook.
![chess game inspired piece skull](https://d1kq2dqeox7x40.cloudfront.net/images/news_uploads/legacy/0/15627.jpg)
In the 2nd half of the 19th century, modern chess tournaments began. The 1st World Chess Championship was held in 1886.
![chess game inspired piece](https://d1kq2dqeox7x40.cloudfront.net/images/news_uploads/legacy/0/15628.jpg)
The game is cited by Psychologists as an effective way to improve memory function while also allowing the mind to solve complex problems & work through ideas and strategies.
![chess game inspired piece with flowers](https://d1kq2dqeox7x40.cloudfront.net/images/news_uploads/legacy/0/15629.jpg)
By playing it, you don't only battle against your opponent... you also fight Alzheimer's disease! A multi-purpose brain game!
![chess game inspired horse piece](https://d1kq2dqeox7x40.cloudfront.net/images/news_uploads/legacy/0/15630.jpg)
DID YOU KNOW? Blindfold chess is real---an impressive skill that many stronger chess players possess. The record was set in 1960 in Budabest by a Hungarian named Janos Flesch who played 52 opponents while simultaneously blindfolded and guess what?! He won 31 of those games!
![chess game inspired piece queen and king](https://d1kq2dqeox7x40.cloudfront.net/images/news_uploads/legacy/0/15631.jpg)
So what's your favorite piece? The King and Queen are few of the top favorites. Commonly tattooed on couples to symbolize each others' worth & significance. (Tattoo by Robert Eckman)
![chess game inspired horse piece](https://d1kq2dqeox7x40.cloudfront.net/images/news_uploads/legacy/0/15632.jpg)
Some people bet on the knight for its unique ability to jump over pieces at long distances.
![chess game inspired piece](https://d1kq2dqeox7x40.cloudfront.net/images/news_uploads/legacy/0/15633.jpg)
Some love The Queen for its bitchiness & power!
![chess game inspired piece matching](https://d1kq2dqeox7x40.cloudfront.net/images/news_uploads/legacy/0/15634.jpg)
Some also prefer the destroyers: The Rook & Knight combo.
![chess game inspired head piece](https://d1kq2dqeox7x40.cloudfront.net/images/news_uploads/legacy/0/15635.jpg)
While some are just into the checkered pattern itself. Everyone, meet Matt Gone, a.k.a. The "Checkered" Man. He got those checkered patterns for his love of it. Nuff said. Don't be fooled by the tattoos 'cause this man is wise. Here's what he has to say about cheap-shopping tattoos:
"This project (his tattoos) took 14 years of my life & cost about $42,000 --- $20,000 of which I earned as a dishwasher. If anyone says they cannot afford tattoos, they are just not serious." ~Matt Gone
"This project (his tattoos) took 14 years of my life & cost about $42,000 --- $20,000 of which I earned as a dishwasher. If anyone says they cannot afford tattoos, they are just not serious." ~Matt Gone
![chess from back in the days vintage](https://d1kq2dqeox7x40.cloudfront.net/images/news_uploads/legacy/0/15636.jpg)
Check out this chillin' vintage photo of Chess Masters taken by Henry Fox Talbot in 1847. O_O So hauntingly awesome!
PLAY THE GAME OR BE PLAYED. What's your move?!
PLAY THE GAME OR BE PLAYED. What's your move?!
Take it easy everyone! Stay witty! :)