Will chess every be replaced?

Question

Since there are many chess variants out there and some claim to solve the "flaws" of chess, will chess ever be replaced? Will a chess variation like Capablanca Chess or Seirawan Chess ever become more popular that the chess we know and play today? And will chess ever undergo major changes, such as changing how the pieces move? I am curious because it would suck if someone spent years studying chess to find out that the world is now interested in an entirely different variation. Thanks to all those who answer.

Answer 1

the simple question you've asked is ... will chess ever be replaced? Let give the simple answer and then an explanation. No.

While it is true that there are many variants which claim to 'solve' inefficiencies in chess the simple fact is that chess has no inefficiencies. It is a gimmick. The average player knows that the f-pawn is weak ... that doesn't mean it's indefensible.

Another reason why chess will not be replaced is the idea of how chess variants are discovered. Players find variants by looking for them typically ... that means they already have a knowledge of chess. The populations of variant chess countercultures are filled with chessplayers (myself included).

However, over time I do think their will be more players starting out in another game and moving to chess. That is a very likely possibility ... and certainly more likely than a complete replacing of chess or a change in current general chess rules.

A good example of a chess like game with its own roots and culture is 'Shogi' a japanese form of chess. The abstract nature of the game makes it similar to chess but to be honest ... different rules equals different game.

Therefore no game will 'replace' chess. I mean, after all, from a psychological standpoint how can a chess variant replace chess - the real thing versus an imitation.

Answer 2

it will be replaced by the chess style game i star wars a new hope

Answer 3

I doubt it.  The reason that every body still hasn't changed to an improved version is because the best minds still find it fun to play basic international chess.  I own several chess variants and they are fun to play, but most people don't know how to play standard chess let alone a variant version.

Answer 4

never! the traditional chess with 8x8 table and pieces in correct order is perfect! See Tal or Nezhmetdinov games...  but modern things are welcome: fischer clock... for blitz games...

Answer 5

Chess has been around for 1500 years,and will be around for another 1500

Answer 6

I don't think so. No matter how many variations they will do or invent, nothing can replace the original game of chess. It is called the "Game of Kings", and even survived the test of time.

So, relax and continue playing. Chess is here to stay, just like rock and roll, there may be variants but nothing beats the original!

Answer 7

no its a classic and i don't think it should ever be replaced

Answer 8

I dont think chess as we know it today will change. But new rules like 'en passent' have changed chess in the past so i'd have to say it's a possibility.

The fact that there are a number of chess variants out there today is a compliment to chess

Answer 9

Hello,

          This has already occured!  See 'CHESMAYNE' link below?  PRINT any orthodox chess set & board in the world - free!  Create your own chess set - design your own board - new notation - new syntax.  Play Western, Chinese, Shogi, Burmese, Thai, Mongolian [all in the same format] etc.  All the chess pieces are 'large' and 'small' triangles.  New levels of play are now available on a standard 8x8 chess board.  

Yours sincerely,

Chesmayne.

Answer 10

Variations are like fads, and don't get me wrong, occasionally I do enjoy a good game of bughouse, but in the end, the original is the classic.  It has been with us for hundreds of years and will remain with us in that unchanged state.  So many people have devoted their lives to it, that it will take something amazing to get them to accept some kind of drastic change.  I simply don't think it can happen.