- Caïssa
.
History
Caïssa originated in a poem called "Caïssa", written in 1763 in
latin hexameter s by orientalist Sir William Jones. [Edward R. Brace, "An Illustrated Dictionary of Chess", Hamlyn, 1979, ISBN 0-600-32920-8 p 52] The poem is based on "Scacchia ludus" ('The Game of Chess') written in 1510 byMarco Girolamo Vida – an Italian poet and later Bishop of Alba – where the nymph is called "Scacchis". [ [http://chess.about.com/cs/reference/g/bldefcai.htm About chess: Caissa] ] [ [http://www.chess-poster.com/english/chesmayne/brief_notes_on_the_history_of_chess_1500.htm Brief notes on the history of chess 1500] chess-poster.com] [ [http://www.chessworld.org/C.htm Caissa] chessworld.org] Jones also published an English language version of the poem. [citation|author=Philidor, A.D|year=1777|title=Systematic introduction to the game and the analysis of chess (L’analyze des échecs)|publisher=London|edition=Fifth|pages= [http://books.google.com/books?id=o5UCAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA12 12] –20] [ [http://www.chessdryad.com/caissa/caissa.htm English verse translation of the poem] ]In the poem, Caïssa initially repels the advances of the god of war, Mars. Spurned, Mars seeks the aid of the god of sport –
Euphron , brother of Venus/Aphrodite – who creates the game of chess as a gift for Mars to win Caissa's favor.Modern use
Caïssa is referred to in chess commentary.
Garry Kasparov uses this reference now and again, especially in his epic five-volume work "My Great Predecessors". It is used as a substitute for being lucky – "Caïssa was with me" – especially in unclear situations, for example in sacrifices. [citation|author=Kasparov, Garry|title=Garry Kasparov on My Great Predecessors, Part 1|publisher=Everyman Chess|edition=First|isbn=1857443306|year=2003] Caïssa as a concept has also been explored by some who seek the evidence of thesacred feminine in chess.The first (
Russia n) computer program that won theWorld Computer Chess Championship (in1974 ) was also namedKaissa .Notes
References
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External links
* [http://sbchess.sinfree.net/caissa.html Caïssa by William Jones 1763] sbchess.sinfree.net
* [http://members.caissa.com/nova Caissa's Web] a selection of Chess poem at members.caissa.com
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