Chess originated in India in the 6th century and spread throughout Asia and Europe over the following centuries. It is traditionally played on a board with 64 squares in 8 rows and 8 columns, with 16 pieces per player. Key equipment for playing chess includes a chess set with pieces, a board, clocks for timed games, bags for transporting equipment, and sheets for recording moves. The basic rules and objectives of the game have remained largely the same since the 15th century, though digital technologies now play a role in high-level competition and analysis.