The History of Chess

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The ongoing rivalry dates way back in time for the members of the Army and Navy. It was in 1890 that the teams from the Naval Academy and Army Academy met on the playing field of the football stadium at West Point. When these two teams meet on any playing field it is a true test of endurance, strength and strategy. Games played with cramping muscles and injuries that don't slow them down, it just makes them that much more thirsty for a victory. Both teams will give it their all. At the end of play they had nothing left, their tanks were now running on empty. They have won their battle that day and the team that was victorious was enjoying the sweet taste of success and the all honor and prestige that goes along with it.

One fact some are not aware of, the song played at these games "Anchors Away" is a song about an Army/Navy football game. It was written at the Naval Academy for the graduating class of 1907 Chess classes for kids Bandmaster Zimmerman and was first played in 1906 at an Army Navy football game. During this game the Navy did 'hoist true Navy Blue' and 'sank the army grey' with a score of 10 to 0.

During the 20th and now 21st century they sought some 'neutral' ground for these games. As this rivalry has moved into the new century the games have moved to Philadelphia. The games continue to be packed with fans anticipating a win for the team they are cheering for. The players are pulling out all the stops wanting that win.

The themed chess set depicting the Army and Navy in actual uniforms with seals and weapons makes chess playing a new adventure. Carrying on the longstanding competition using your own strategy, mental strength and enduring the test of time you too can enjoy that sweet taste of success. Enjoy the prestige of the victory, until you play again, then you have to launch your best moves again to see that your team remains victorious.