Chess Opening Names: The Fascinating and Entertaining History behind the First Few Moves

Why do people play chess? Many complex theories have been advanced to explain the game’s enduring popularity, but I have a very simple one: humans like to prove how clever they are to each other. Winning at chess is one way to prove yourself as superior, but it is far from the only way. For example, an extensive knowledge of history will do the job every bit as effectively. Imagine leaning back in your chair and telling your opponent that you were tempted to play the “Berlin Defense” against his “Ruy López”, but decided to play “Morphy’s Defense” instead. Then you can ever-so casually enquire “You do know why these openings are named that, don’t you?” Then you can explain everything to your ignorant adversary and bask in their jealous admiration. That way, even if your opponent beats you over the chess board, you will still hold the intellectual ascendancy.