For Centuries, Chess has been a male-dominated sport. In many of those years, women were excluded from the game of Chess. Many of the Greatest chess players we know, like Magnus Carlsen, Garry Kasparov or Bobby Fischer have been male Chess Players.
But, in recent years, there has been a major rise in female Chess Players. From the start of the Women's World Chess Championships, to the first woman gaining the GM Title, and to the Queen’s Gambit show not too long ago, there has been a massive rise in Women Chess Players lately.
So, let’s dive right into the Past, the Present and the Future of Women Players in Chess!!
EARLY HISTORY
The Modern version of chess came out in the 1400s Or the 15th Century. (The classical version came out in the 500s or the 6th Century). And for 400 years since the creation of Modern Chess, Women were banned from playing the game.
But, in the 1800s, there was a rise all over the world of Women Chess players! Many female Chess Clubs began to emerge, challenging the ridiculous notion that Women can not play chess, and allowing many women to learn chess, for the first time!
THE 1900s
The 1900s was, by many, the biggest boom for female Chess Players! Firstly, in 1927, the first Women's World Chess Championship was held, with Vera Menchik becoming the World’s First Women World Chess Champion!
Secondly, in 1991, Susan Polgar became the first woman EVER to become a Grandmaster, by acquiring a full set of standard norms! This was revolutionary because only 200 years ago did women start to play chess, and now, we have the first woman ever to become a Grandmaster!
Unfortunately, at this point in time, there were still many issues. Many rising female chess players were bullied and harassed by their male counterparts. Many of them were even receiving death threats, making chess entering chess for women very difficult.
CURRENTLY + THE FUTURE
In 2020, something incredible happened. Netflix released a brand new show, called The Queen’s Gambit. The show went viral, not only sparking a new wave of chess players but was also inspiring many women to enter the World of chess!
As of writing this in 2023, 3% of all professional chess players are women. Even though this number is ridiculously low, it is still much higher than what it was previously. Better yet, 15% of all chess players in 2023 are female!
In the future, as more and more women chess players enter the professional scene and the overall skill level rise due to competition, these amazing chess players will gain the recognition they deserve. So, which female chess player throughout history was your favourite?
Please drop your answer in the comments and I hope to see you again!
