Press Release
Valencia: A Cradle of Chess Innovation
In the beautiful setting of La Lonja de la Seda, Valencia unveiled its program of events to commemorate the 550th anniversary of modern chess. The rules we use today in chess were revolutionized in Valencia during its Golden Age, marking a significant contribution to the game’s history.
The event was presented by key figures including Luis Cervera, General Director of Sport for the Generalitat, Paula Llobet, Councillor for Tourism, Innovation, and Investment, Francisco Javier Ochoa, president of FEDA, Emilio González, president of FACV, Basilio López, president of the Valencia Cradle of Chess foundation, and Mª Ángeles Vidal, managing director of the municipal sports foundation.
Mª Ángeles Vidal, the host, emphasized Valencia’s crucial role in shaping and spreading the new chess rules. She highlighted the FDM’s efforts to introduce chess to young children through the Esports al Barri project in municipal sports schools, underscoring her long-standing commitment to promoting Valencia’s chess heritage.
Basilio López acknowledged the extensive research by various scholars over three decades, particularly the work of José A. Garzón. He pointed out that the groundbreaking rules first appeared in the poem Scachs d’amor (Valencia, circa 1475) and were later published in Francesch Vicent de Segorb’s book in Valencia on May 15, 1495. He reminded everyone that these Valencian rules led to the widespread popularity of modern chess, with millions of games played daily worldwide.
José Luis Moreno praised La Lonja, the presentation venue, as a contemporary of modern chess and its pioneers: Bernat Fenollar, Narcís Vinyoles, and Francí de Castellví. He admired the poem Scachs d’amor, highlighting the emotional connection between chess and love. He also noted another milestone: twenty years later, Valencia published the first modern chess book, Llibre dels jochs partits dels scachs en nombre de 100, emphasizing Valencia’s central role in chess history and literature.
Paula Llobet stressed the event’s presentation at FITUR and the program’s dedication to Valencia’s historical impact on the development and global reach of chess across generations. She announced that Valencia would become a giant chessboard throughout 2025.
Emilio González detailed the year’s planned activities, including the Valencia Cuna del Ajedrez International Open at UPV from July 5th to 13th, featuring international chess masters, alongside events like the Desafío a la Ciega and simultaneous chess displays by the renowned Rey Enigma.
Javier Ochoa underscored the lasting significance of the Valencian chess rules and their modern relevance. He highlighted the queen’s enhanced power as a key innovation, along with other changes like the modern bishop, the pawn’s initial two-square move, the king’s leap (forerunner to castling), and new pawn promotion rules, all demonstrating Valencia’s innovative and impactful contributions.
Luis Cervera affirmed chess’s importance as a global sport with numerous players. He emphasized Valencia’s enduring legacy and its likely most significant international contribution to the world of sports.
La Lonja de la Seda, a Gothic masterpiece in Valencia’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
Throughout the year, chess will be celebrated with tournaments, travelling exhibitions, publications, and conferences. Key events include a simultaneous display by Spanish champion Sabrina Vega on February 23rd at the Women in Chess Conference; a visit from world champion Viswanathan Anand on May 15th and 16th; and the Fundación Valencia Cuna International Tournament from July 28th to August 3rd.
In conclusion, Valencia anticipates an exciting year of celebrating its pivotal role in chess history: the creation and global spread of modern chess.
