Why are there so many Eastern European chess players?

Because so many Eastern European countries were influenced and/or controlled by Russia,( who viewed Chess as a occupation like any other) who taught the game starting in elementary school up through adulthood it carried over to today where the incentive is money; In those countries Chess is as ingrained as Soccer.

Why is chess dominated by Russians?

Originally Answered: Why do the Russians dominate the chess world? Because its a source of national pride. Even though chess wasnt invented in Russia, the momentum of past accomplishments in chess have raised the bar of excellence for chess playing and have produces a legacy of chess greatness.

Why are so many good chess players from Russia?

There are several reasons why Russians are such good chess players. These reasons date back centuries ago and are rooted in the economic, political, and social environment at the time. During the Soviet Union’s existence, chess was much more than a simple game or pastime.

Is chess a big deal in Russia?

In the last hundred or so years, Russia became almost synonymous with chess. The country in its many incarnations—Russian Empire, Soviet Union, and now “just” Russia—produced more grandmasters and world champions than any other, and its players enriched the ancient game immensely.

Is chess still popular in Russia?

Chess is popular in Russia because ever since the Soviet-era, the game was seen as an intellectual pursuit. It hasn’t always been popular in Russia, but dominating at chess meant dominating in matters of the mind.

Did chess start in Russia?

Chess has 1000 years of history in Russia. Chess was probably brought to Old Russia in 9th century via the Volga-Caspian trade route. From the 10th century cultural connections with the Byzantine Empire and the Vikings also influenced the history of chess in Russia.

Why does Russia have so many grandmasters in chess?

Why are the Russians and their neighbors so good at chess? Because the Soviets subsidized the game. Chess has long been popular in Russia—Czar Ivan IV is thought to have died while playing a match in 1584. After the Bolsheviks took power in 1917, it became a national pastime.

Where did chess originate Russia?

Chess was probably introduced in Russia in the 9th century AD through the Caspian-Volga trade route. At the time, there was a Volga trade route to Baghdad. In the 10th century, chess reached Russia from Byzantium and from the Vikings. Around 1262, the Russian word (as a noun) for chess , shakhmaty, was introduced.

Is chess important in Russia?