Valencia, Origin of modern chess
Year 1475, a time of cultural and commercial splendor in Valencia. Three Valencian poets—Francí de Castellví, Bernat Fenollar, and Narcís Vinyoles—conceived the beautiful allegorical poem Scachs d’amor. In this work, they describe for the first time the movement of the queen, or lady, and state unequivocally that it is they, the three Valencian poets, who promote and legislate the new way of playing: the “chess of the queen,” that is, the game as we know it today.
On May 15, 1495, Llibre dels jochs partits dels schachs en nombre de 100 was published in Valencia. In this book, its author, Francesch Vicent of Segorbe, legitimized modern chess: the new rules spread throughout Europe thanks to an exceptional ally—the printing press.
Origin and dissemination: these are the great merits of Valencian chess players of the 15th century. Valencia is the cradle of modern chess.
With this premise begins the documentary filmed by Bon Dia Comunicació for the Generalitat Valenciana, on the 550th anniversary of the birth of modern chess in Valencia, featuring the special participation of Grandmaster, FIDE President, and five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, a friend of Valencian chess.
Production Company: Bon Dia Comunicació
Location: Valencia