Chess

Chess is a game whose forms and origin al-Masudi describes in Muruj al-dhahab. ²

Al-Masudi notes that all the instruments of chess come in six forms:

• The well-known square board of eight by eight, attributed to the ancient Indians.
• The oblong board, four by sixteen.
• The square board of ten by ten, in which there are two pieces called the dabbabatan (the tanks).
• The round board attributed to the Romans.
• The round astronomical board, whose rows are twelve in number, corresponding to the zodiac signs; he gives seven examples of it, corresponding to the number of the planets and the two luminaries.
• The newly devised jawarihiyya board, seven by eight.

²

Al-Masudi notes that the inventor of chess was just and capable in what he did, and the inventor of backgammon was compelled. It is also said that it was a red square of leather laid between two men known for their generosity, who discussed war and devised for it a likeness without shedding blood. ²