3 Chess Fact. Chess for the Blind — A Game Without Limits

In the 19th century, blind individuals aspired to participate in intellectual games like chess.
While specialized tactile chessboards emerged later, Louis Braille's development of the raised-dot writing system in 1824 was a pivotal step in making information accessible to the blind, including the game of chess.
The world's first official chess tournament for blind players was held in 1938 in the Soviet Union, organized by the All-Russian Society of the Blind.
Already at that time, players used special boards with indented squares and tactile pieces: black pieces with spikes and white pieces smooth to the touch.
Since then, chess has become one of the most important intellectual disciplines for people with visual impairments.
The idea of using tactile chessboards with indented squares and distinguishable pieces by touch was implemented in the mid-20th century and became an international standard thanks to the efforts of the International Braille Chess Association (IBCA).
Today, major international tournaments and championships for blind chess players are regularly organized by the International Braille Chess Association (IBCA).
Among blind chess players, there are International Masters and even Grandmasters. For example, Grandmaster Marcin Tazbir from Poland is one of the strongest players in the world.
How do blind players compete?
• They use specially adapted tactile boards with locking mechanisms for the pieces.
• Players announce their moves aloud for accuracy and recordkeeping.
• In matches against sighted opponents, two synchronized boards are used — one tactile, one regular.
Blind chess shows that intelligence and strategy can go far beyond sight.
Sources:
- International Braille Chess Association (IBCA)
The official IBCA website, providing information on tournaments, player rankings, and rules for blind chess players.
🔗 ibca-info.org
- International Braille Chess Association – Wikipedia
Article detailing the history and activities of IBCA, including information on tournaments and rules for blind chess players.
🔗 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Braille_Chess_Association
- Louis Braille: Renowned for inventing the Braille system, which revolutionized reading and writing for the blind.
🔗 Louis Braille - Wikipedianbp.org+5
Photo:
- Marcin Tazbir, Polish Chess Cup, Łódź 2021.
By This photo was taken by Krzysztof SzelągAutorem zdjęcia jest Krzysztof SzelągWykorzystując zdjęcie proszę podać jako autora:Krzysztof Szeląg / Wikimedia Commons - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=109681432
- chessboard for blind players.
By rorkhete - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2264256
- Blind chess demonstration by Paul Lipke at the Anderssen Chess Club in Frankfurt am Main. Wikipedia:Public domain
- Russische schaakgrootmeester Tigan Petrosjan speelt simultaan tegen blinde jongen te Nijmegen. Creative Commons Zero, Public Domain Dedication.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Russische_schaakgrootmeester_Tigan_Petrosjan_speelt_simultaan_tegen_blinde_jonge,_Bestanddeelnr_910-9183.jpg
- Louis Braille. By Unknown author - Common Portrait of Louis Braille doctored by myself. Over 100 Years old., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=495355
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