The internet revolution has taken the entire planet by storm. The creation of the 'net has transformed just about each aspect of everybody’s lives. It has changed those things which bear strong roots to the past. Chess is no exception.

For a time, playing chess has been tied to the image of intellect. In order to be a good chess player, a person requires a solid grasp of mathematics and battle strategy. The better players do more, of course; they use their intuition to execute an attack. The Persians originally designed chess to simulate strategic war planning, historians believe. Finally, the game moved to Europe where it was changed and eventually become the game we recognize and enjoy today.

The biggest problem with chess is that it involves a lot of keeping still, focusing at the chessboard, and planning moves. For the chess aficionado, it’s sometimes not easy to find someone who shares a similar interest and a genuine passion for chess. Now that almost all households have a computer and internet connection, chess players who used to have a difficult time finding a partner, are already able to play as much chess as they desire.

The virtual community provides access to chess playing rooms by the hundreds. A player has only to log into one to meet a potential chess playing partner.

The really fantastic thing about the chess playing rooms is that they provide something beyond just chess playing partners. The chess room works to found a community of chess players. Friendships are strengthened and tactics exchanged. Traditionally, meetings and competitions were the only events that chess players could all meet, socialize and compete against each other.

The internet has also introduced a new phenomenon. People who were never passionate about chess have grown extremely curious about what goes on inside these chess playing rooms. Occasional players now have the tendency to become serious chess aficionados.

For some people however, online chess playing rooms should be approached with caution. Critics of the internet phenomenon quickly point out that part of what makes chess such a great recreational activity is that it compels the playing partners to cultivate a personal relationship. The critics feel that the internet chess playing rooms will make the game too impersonal.

At this point, it is difficult to tell how much the internet chess playing rooms are going to alter the game. Whether for the worst or best of times, chess playing rooms will not be taking a grand exit anytime soon.