Chess Symbolism By: Brad Earlewine

With Comments by Edwin Wong

---

One of the wonderful things about chess is that is can be compared with other things. The symbolism with other things like religion or character is what makes chess especially unique. Chess is not only making the right moves but understading what chess really means. One of the things chess does is that each piece represents character and contibution to society.

The Pawn represents the adventuer or the unexplored stage of development. The pawn is usually the first to move, and is noted for citizenship and obeying rules. In short it symobolizes youth.

The Knight represents the warrior stage of life. The sterotype it gets is it's trustworthinesss and high ideals. It protects the court and it best related to a teenager or adolescent.

The Rook is the parent of everyone. It is best symbolized by a castle or the home in modern times. The rook represents the ideal of responsibility. It signals the stages of adulthood.

The Bishop is the wise person. He brings the ideal of respect to everyone. He is usually the grandparent.

The King is the fullness of manhood and is characterized by his great power. Therefore, he is the father who rules the kingdom, and brings forth fairness.

The Queen brings the fullness of womanhood. She is the kind, gentle mother who brings care to the table.