What’s in a name

• King: Король (Korol’)

In Russian, the name of the most important piece on the board traces its roots to the historic figure of Charlemagne, aka Charles the Great, who famously united a fractured Europe under one rule after the fall of the Roman Empire. Outside of chess, король is almost exclusively used to refer to foreign (or fictional) rulers, as opposed to “Tsar” or “Emperor” for most Russian monarchs.

• Queen: Ферзь (Ferz’)

Though sometimes referred to colloquially as королева (koroleva – “queen,” lit. “she-king”), this piece is formally known as ферзь. This term has its origins in the Persian word farzin (“wise man”); centuries ago, the queen’s place in chess was taken by a piece called ferz.

• Rook – Ладья (Ladia)

What’s a ладья, you ask? Well, it’s an ancient type of boat – think of the Viking longship as a point of reference. So, how’d this piece get that name despite commonly being depicted as a castle tower?

In chaturanga, the ancient Indian predecessor of chess, these were called “chariots”; eventually, the design became simplified and M- or L-shaped – most likely, that form was reinterpreted as boats as the game traveled across continents. In Western Europe, the chariot pieces were interpreted as siege towers and, eventually, just towers. Hence, the archaic alternate Russian term for rook – тура (tura, from French tour – “tower”).

• Bishop – Слон (Slon)

The messenger, the tortoise, and even the fool – this piece has perhaps the most varied selection of names across different languages and cultures. In Russian, it retains the very first name: “elephant,” just as it was called more than a millenia ago. However, it also has an alternative name in офицер (ofitser – "officer").

• Knight – Конь (Kon’)

This piece’s name, which translates to “horse,” is fairly self-explanatory, though it shifts the focus from the rider to the mount when compared to the Western counterpart. And whereas its trajectory is usually compared to the letter “L” in English, in Russian it naturally gets flipped into a “Г.”

• Pawn – Пешка (Peshka)

Last but not least is the humble pawn. In Russian, its name refers to someone who is on foot; basically, “footman” (think words like пешком or пешеход). Colloquially, like in many other languages, it may refer to someone easily manipulated or insignificant to the larger picture.

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Fancy playing a game or two? Don’t forget that ITMO students have the option of joining the university’s chess club! Read our interview with the ITMO Chess Club’s founder (bonus: insights into the history of chess in Russia!). And for more board game fun, look no farther than GEEKMO club’s regular game nights!