Feelif Chess is a thoughtfully developed application whereby a blind or visually impaired person is enabled to play chess online equally against any opponent with unaffected sight. You will move chess pieces as easy as playing chess in physical form.
How does a visually impaired player know if the square is white or black?
All the Black squares are raised about 3-4 mm above the white squares. By feeling the squares, the player is able to determine whether the square is a black or a white one. All the Black pieces have a pin fixed on their heads helping the player distinguish between a white and a black piece.
Are there any blind grandmasters?
No, as of today there isn’t any chess Grandmaster who is blind from the youth. However, there are several blind (or visually impaired) players with a Elo rating above 2300, and with a IM or FM title. And there are many blind players with a Elo rating above 2200, often classified as National Master level.
Who invented the board chess?
The earliest predecessor of the game probably originated in India by the 7th century CE, from where it spread to Persia. Following the Arab invasion and conquest of Persia, chess was taken up by the Muslim world and subsequently spread to southern Europe.
Who is the blind chess player in the world?
Though visually impaired since birth, Mohammed Salih did not let his disability come in his way and became a national level chess player. He can play against renowned players with perfect vision and defeat them too.
Are there chess players who can play against 10 perfectly visioned players?
Salih has won many national level chess championships. He has not only bagged several medals in chess championships for the blind but also has the ability to play against 10 chess players with perfect vision simultaneously. Salih did not attend school till the age of nine due to his disability.
Which is the apex body for chess for the blind?
FIDE (Federation Internationale Des Echecs) is the apex body for chess amongst the sighted. Similarly the International Braille Chess Association (IBCA) is the apex body of chess for the blind and visually impaired and is in turn affiliated to FIDE.
What are the benefits of playing chess blindfold?
Just like being blind can awaken and sharpen other senses, all chess players can also benefit from playing blindfold chess. The main benefit of blindfold chess is that it enhances focus, memory, and visualization skills. Those who practice blindfold chess will notice that they will blunder fewer pieces in their “on board” games.
