Evolution of traditional game Tavrli in Krasnodar Region
Cracking Open the Age-Old Game of Russian Chess - Tavle
Hanging out in Krasnodar? You might bump into some familiar Russian sports like City Fives, Lapta, or even Sambo. But there's another game that's been around for centuries, gaining traction and bubbling with intrigue - Russian chess, also known as Tavle. Here's the scoop on this unique game that's making its mark in Kuban.
Elena Luganskaya, the deputy chair of Tavle Federation of Krasnodar Krai, has an insider's look on all things Tavle.
- So, Elena, spill the beans. What's the lowdown on Tavle's origin?
About thirty years ago, archaeologists stumbled upon boards and pebbles with symbols. These findings suggested they were remnants of a board game. Interestingly enough, Tavle artifacts were discovered not only in the heartland of the country - in Novgorod and Ryazan lands, but also nearby, in the Azov region's kurgan mounds. All of them were dated to ancient times, with no documentary evidence of the game's rules. The rules were deduced based on the found relics. Each symbol, or stamp, indicated a piece's movement, according to scientists. The official consensus states that the game originated in Central Rus' during the 9th-10th centuries and was totally unique.
- Catchy name, ain't it? But why's it called "Tavle"?
The game's name stems from the fact that the figurines bore emblems. The word "tavro" in ancient language meant "sign" or "omen." It's suspected that our ancestors borrowed this term from the Turks.
- Is Tavle known in other countries, or is it a homegrown sport?
In Belarus, an annual European championship for women in Tavle is held. Our federation members journey across the globe to share the excitement of Tavle. Countries in the East appear to be the most receptive, gradually adopting Tavle. Despite being a new and developing sport in our homeland, Tavle is steadily gaining a foothold. As of now, there are three Tavle branches in Kuban: Krasnodar, Primorsko-Ahtarsk, and Tuapse district.
Living proof of this burgeoning Tavle scene can be found at the Shepsi Festival of Intellectual Games in the Tuapse district, where Tavle takes center stage alongside other head-scratching games like Sudoku and Brain Breaker. The event's co-organizer is none other than the regional federation, inviting participants from all over Russia.
- Does Kuban crush it at the national level in Tavle?
Kuban's Tavle players have been making a splash at the Russian Tavle Championship for the past four years, landing top spots on the leaderboard, including some esteemed podium finishes. We also boast a couple of Tavle master hopefuls in our ranks.
Game without borders: Tavle vs. Chess
Now, let's dive into what makes Tavle a worthy adversary to traditional chess.
- Vice versa,Елена. What are the main differences between Tavle and chess?
The first difference is that Tavle is a peaceable game. Pieces are captured, not killed, and remain on the board until the game's end. Towers are built from captured pieces, with the player's figure heading the tower. Another difference is the variety of piece movements, which include diagonal, straight, and sideways moves, as well as zigzag lines. The main piece in Tavle is the volkhv, equivalent to the king in chess. The objective remains the same: to checkmate the volkhv.
- Do we have different disciplines in Tavle, like in other sports?
Yes, there are seven Tavle disciplines registered. There's Blitz, a quick game lasting five minutes plus three seconds. Rapid is a lengthier game, with each player given 10 to 15 minutes per game. Classical pair requires clocks and move recording. There are also team disciplines. A fascinating discipline is composition, where figures are artfully arranged in a challenging position, and the goal is to find a way out of the fix.
- No shenanigans like those in chess, right? Can a player pull an all-nighter, thinking 27 moves ahead like some kind of strategic mastermind?
Fret not, there's no time for tardiness in Tavle. The game is dynamic and speedy, with numerous move possibilities compared to chess. A child playing Tavle develops spatial thinking, arithmetic, and memory skills during the course of the game.
- How do you rescue your captured pieces?
By capturing the opponent's tower and placing the opponent's pieces in your tower to free your captured pieces.
- Thinkers from childhood: The Allure of Tavle
- At what age do children start diving into Tavle, and who really gets into it?
The youngest ones dipping their toes into Tavle are five years old. Generally, it's boys who flock to this game, as it's a strategic art that challenges players to calculate moves, plan a battle strategy, and think tactically.
- Are coaches for Tavle available?
Chess coaches make up the majority of Tavle coaches, while anyone with an interest can become one by completing a course. The development of Tavle in a given area depends on whether there are coaches there. At present, there are coaches in the three municipalities stated, and more regions are jumping on board as Tavle gains more traction.
Flexibility and Fun: A Perfect Mix
- Is physical exercise part of Tavle training sessions?
Of course! It's crucial to warm up before Tavle sessions to maintain physical and mental strength, as well as to create a positive atmosphere.
Learning Tavle cultivates a slew of valuable skills, including quick decision-making, strategic planning, teamwork, forward-thinking, and conflict resolution. It's no wonder that even high-ranking leaders in ancient times played similar games, taming foes with their mastery of the gameboard.
Elena Luganskaya mentioned that although Tavle is gaining popularity in countries like Belarus and the East, there seems to be no Tavle equivalent in sports like tennis.
Curiosity piqued, Elena Luganskaya expressed her passion for bringing Tavle to the forefront of international sports, combining the strategic thinking aspect of Tavle with the physical activity of sports like tennis, creating a unique blend of mental and physical challenges.
