The morality of the game of chess

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The morality of chess (Engl .: The morals of chess ) is an often reprinted schachlich - philosophical essay by Benjamin Franklin , whose earliest documented source The Columbian Magazine from December 1786's. The essay makes a comparison between the moral behavior of humans and the “rules of the game” of a chess game . The "rules of the game" recommended by Franklin are intended to form a kind of code of human behavior and human relationships.

Some of these rules of the game are:

  • "If you have decided to play according to strict rules, both partners have to adhere to these rules exactly, without one of them obeying the rules and the other disregarding them, because that would be unfair."
  • "If you have decided not to follow strict rules of the game, and if one of the players demands forbearance, he must be prepared to allow your partner to do so too."
  • “You must never make wrong moves to deal with a difficult situation or to gain an advantage. It is no pleasure to play with someone who has been caught doing such an unpleasant act. "
  • “Never take hold of an advantage that arises from the inability or inattention of your opponent, but say to him politely: 'This move puts your own figure in danger or makes it defenseless,' or 'this move put the king in a dangerous position 'etc. With such generous courtesy (which contradicts the above ugly actions), of course, you may lose; but you gain something much better: the respect of the partner, his respect, his love and at the same time the tacit approval and benevolence of the impartial audience. "

Regardless of Franklin's essay in the 20th century, the world chess federation FIDE stipulated in its official rules, among other things, that players must not be disturbed and during a game they must not resort to any aids or suggestions from other people. It is forbidden under the FIDE Laws of Chess to withdraw moves, even with the consent of both players, provided that the moves were legal.

literature

  • Benjamin Franklin: The Morals of Chess. In: The Works of Benjamin Franklin, Vol. II. Boston 1840.
  • Ralph K. Hagedorn: Benjamin Franklin and Chess in Early America. University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia 1958.

Web links