Chess has a fascinating place not only in history but also in popular culture. This “thinking-person’s game” is beloved around the world, and played by people of all ages, from all walks of life.

Swipe through to learn 7 interesting things about chess.

Chess is thought to be derived from an ancient strategy board game played in India called chaturanga. From India, it spread to Persia, the Islamic world and then on to Europe. A collection of 12th-century chess pieces carved from walrus ivory were discovered in Scotland in 1831.

Have you heard of blindfold chess? It’s a game played by extremely good players who are indeed blindfolded throughout the entire game. The players are required to “see” the board in their minds.

Chess is very popular in Armenia, the small, former Soviet republic just east of Turkey. The game is so important to the country, in fact, that learning chess is mandatory for school children.

The term “checkmate” comes from the Persian phrase “shah mat,” which means “the king is dead.” Checkmate, of course, is the ultimate goal in chess. It means the king has been placed in check, has no legal moves available, and the game is over.

Russian grand chessmaster Garry Kasparov is among the world’s best. In 1985 he became the youngest-ever world champion at age 22. He held the world champion title until 2000, when he was defeated by fellow Russian Vladimir Kramnik. Kasparov is also famous for his 1997 battle with the IBM supercomputer Deep Blue, which he lost.

Photography: Pinterest/MasterClass

Chess has been shown to improve memory function and is often cited as a way to increase intelligence, as the game requires players to work through complicated issues. It is a guard against the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, and it has been clinically tested and shown to improve kids’ grades and cognitive functions.

Spock and Kirk played chess in three episodes of the TV series Star Trek—the episodes were “I, Mudd,” “Shore Leave” and “Arena.” The pair played aboard the starship Enterprise, and Captain Kirk won all three games. Perhaps in honor of these games, Star Trek-chess fans can purchase a Star Trek-themed, tri-dimensional chess set.