Francesc Vicent facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francesco Vicent
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| Born | 1450 |
| Died | c. 1512 (aged 61–62) Unknown
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| Nationality | Kingdom of Valencia, Crown of Aragon  |
| Occupation | Chess author |
Francesc Vicent (born in Segorbe in 1450 – died around 1512) was a Spanish writer. He is famous for writing the first book about chess that used the modern rules for the queen and the bishop. These are the rules we still use today!
The First Modern Chess Book
Vicent's important book was called Libre dels jochs partits dels schacs en nombre de 100. This long name means "Book of 100 Chess Games". It was printed in Valencia on May 15, 1495. The printers were Lope de Roca Alemany and Pere Trincher.
Sadly, no copies of this original book have survived. People believe the book contained 100 different endgames. Endgames are the final parts of a chess game. It is thought that one copy was kept in the library of Santa Maria de Montserrat. However, this copy was destroyed in 1811. This happened during the Peninsular War when French forces occupied the area.
How Modern Chess Began
Francesc Vicent is often called the founder of modern chess. His work helped spread new ideas about chess across Europe. One big change was how the queen moves. Before Vicent's time, the queen was not the most powerful piece. But with the new rules, it became super strong!
This new way of moving the queen first appeared in a poem. The poem was called Scachs d'amor (which means "Chess of Love"). It was written in 1475 by Bernat Fenollar, Narcís Vinyoles, and Franci de Castellví. This poem helps show that the modern queen's move was likely invented in Spain.
A Star Named After Him
To honor his contributions, an asteroid was named after him. The asteroid is called 78071 Vicent. It was discovered in 2002.
See also
In Spanish: Francesch Vicent para niños
