Press release
The Valencian Parliament decrees 15 May as the official Chess Day
The important initiative was discussed in the Education Committee of the City Parliament and received unanimous support from all political groups, with all speakers highlighting the significance of the Valencian origin of modern chess and the benefits of the game of chess.
This DVD allows you to learn from the example of one of the best players in the history of chess and from the explanations of the authors how to successfully organise your games strategically, and how to keep your opponent permanently under pressure.This recognition highlights the important anniversary of the 550th year since the birth of modern chess in Valencia (1475–2025), which is being celebrated in 2025 with numerous events and initiatives.
Sports spokesperson Eduardo Dolón emphasised the importance of the poem Scachs d’amor (Valencia, ca. 1475), which introduced the powerful new queen that changed the game forever, as well as the later contribution, also from Valencia and in the Valencian language: the book by Francesch Vicent from Segorbe, printed in Valencia on 15 May 1495.
This exact date, the day the first modern chess book in the world was printed, is the reason for introducing a Chess Day on 15 May each year in the Autonomous Community of Valencia.
The initiators of this decision - Basilio López, president of the Valencia Cuna del Ajedrez Foundation (Valencia, Cradle of Chess); Emilio González, president of the Valencian Chess Federation; Rafael Martín, official chronicler of Segorbe; and José A. Garzón, author and researcher on the history of chess - were also present at the meeting.
This resolution marks a milestone that will significantly benefit the promotion and development of chess in the Valencia region and will remain a lasting tribute to its great heritage: the origin and spread of modern chess.
Anand visits the cradle of modern chess
Summary of Anand's unforgettable visit to Valencia
The celebrations of the great chess year in Valencia on the occasion of the 550th anniversary of modern chess (1475–2025) reached one of their most anticipated highlights on 15 and 16 May with the presence of five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand, currently Deputy President of the International Chess Federation and a legend of global chess, who was named Sportsman of the Millennium in his home country in 1998.
Fans and top Valencian players eagerly awaited his visit, but the two intense days, which will remain etched in everyone's memory, exceeded all expectations.
On 15 May, he was welcomed by the Mayor of Valencia, María José Catalá, who expressed her pride in hosting a living legend of world chess on such an important anniversary: "His humility and his intuition for reading his opponent's mind are inspiring", said the Mayor, who was well informed about the Valencian origin of modern chess, the milestone that prompted the five-time World Champion's visit to Valencia.
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During his meeting with Anand, plans were outlined for future cooperation with the international federation so that, as Anand himself stated, the world may learn more about the origins of modern chess.
Visit to the exhibition "Valencia, origin of modern chess, 1475"
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That same afternoon, the five-time World Champion visited the permanent exhibition on the history of chess at the Petxina Sports and Culture Complex in Valencia. Researcher José A. Garzón personally explained the panels illustrating the Valencian origin of modern chess and the spread of the new rules throughout Europe using reproductions of key documents.
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The exhibition was enriched in 2022 by a large-scale reproduction of a comic about the life and work of Francesc Vicent. The date is no coincidence: on 15 May 1495, the first book on modern chess, written in Valencian and explaining the new rules of the game then known as Axedres de la Dama, was printed in Valencia. These rules had been developed in Valencia two decades earlier and summarised in the poem Scachs d'amor (Valencia, ca. 1475), a joint work by three prominent Valencian poets: Bernat Fenollar, Narcís Vinyoles and Francí de Castellví. The origin and spread of modern chess is Valencia's great legacy.
In this video course, experts including Dorian Rogozenco, Mihail Marin, Karsten Müller and Oliver Reeh, examine the games of Boris Spassky. Let them show you which openings Spassky chose to play, where his strength in middlegames were and much more.Many lovers of the noble game had the opportunity to spend a few minutes with their idol. Everyone received a photo or autograph in books, magazines, on chessboards, etc., from one of the greatest chess players of all time.
Thanks to his visit to Valencia, Anand had time to discover the city's rich past, history, and culture, visiting the Cathedral of Valencia and the Holy Grail, the Silk Exchange, the Central Market and the Church of San Nicolás. He also attended a session of the Tribunal de las Aguas, where he signed the Book of Honour. He greatly enjoyed the local cuisine, which he holds in high regard.
The next day, he was welcomed by Pilar Bernabé, Government Delegate of the Autonomous Community of Valencia, who stressed the importance of chess as a complement to other sports and Valencia’s pivotal role in chess history through the introduction of the new queen and her unprecedented freedom of movement.
Masterclass at the auditorium of La Nau Cultural Centre
On 16 May, one of the key events commemorating the 550th anniversary of modern chess in Valencia (1475–2025) took place: a masterclass by GM Anand, in which he analysed some of his most famous games. A true delight for the many fans who completely filled the Aula Magna of the La Nau Cultural Centre at the University of Valencia.
The event was moderated by Ester Alba, Vice-Rector for Culture and Society of the University of Valencia. Among the speakers were author and researcher José A. Garzón, representing the Valencia Cuna del Ajedrez Foundation, and Valencia's Councillor for Sport, Rocío Gil, who presented Anand with a commemorative plaque. Also present were Mª Ángeles Vidal, managing director of the FDM; Basilio López, president of the Foundation Valencia Cuna del Ajedrez; and Emilio González, president of the Chess Federation of the Valencian Community.
The session was highly engaging, with Anand inviting the audience to suggest moves and plans in critical situations. This interaction showcased the creative process at the heart of chess and the importance of decision-making in new and complex positions.
Anand recalled several of his games in which he used the Spanish Opening (Ruy López), noting that it is an ideal opening to learn strategy and technique during the opening phase of the game. It was no coincidence - nothing in chess is - that after answering participants' questions, Anand viewed a copy of the 1561 book by Ruy López de Segura, one of the most renowned books in the history of the new game, with a copy held in the Historical Library of the University of Valencia. The book is currently on display in the Sala Duc de Calàbria and is complemented by the travelling exhibition reproducing the content of the Petxina Complex's chess room.
Anand was constantly asked for autographs and photos. All fans were delighted. It is hard to find a better ambassador for chess and the values it represents.
Anand impressed everyone with his mastery and kindness. He leaves an unforgettable memory in Valencia. India's role in the practice of the ancient game is undeniable; this visit also forged an important bridge between the past and future of chess - an indelible link between India and Spain through Valencia.
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