...the crisis of their assembly [compelled him to] hasten in the composition of the Book of Chess. For among those of intellect $\therefore$ it is considered part of refined culture The Arabic term "Adab" refers to the literature, etiquette, and education required of a sophisticated person in medieval society. $\therefore$ so that it may be an intercessor for him, hoping for the encompassment of his [the patron's] favor $\therefore$ for he has always been a dispeller of distress $\therefore$ a remover of calamities $\circ$.

It is as if Abu Tammam meant him when he said:

A glory—a sword of insight born of his resolve, for which time has polished both its edges and its thoughts.

A keen blade—which, if drawn in the face of a calamity, the very turns of fate come to him in apology.
Abu Tammam (c. 788–845 AD) was one of the greatest poets of the Abbasid era, famous for his mastery of the panegyric (praise poetry).

May he never cease to reach his hopes $\therefore$ through Muhammad and his family and his good, pure companions. I have arranged this work into ranks Meaning chapters or categories of difficulty. $\therefore$ including the Mansubat From the Arabic "mansuba," meaning a "set-position" or "composed problem." These are similar to modern chess puzzles or endgame studies. of "the defeated" relating to the Shah The King (from the Persian "Shah"). $\therefore$ and the Mansubat of "the defeated" relating to pieces other than the Shah $\therefore$ and the standard rules upon which there is consensus. I have concluded the book with beautiful diagrams $\therefore$ and evidentiary signs regarding the various types of chess-play, which I have extracted from the Hudhaq The "Masters" or "Experts" of the game. in this art. Should anyone find a flaw, let him mend it $\therefore$ for the effort of one who strives after overstepping is forgiven. God Almighty is the Guardian of success in His path and the Guide to the truth and its reality. I have begun the book with the Prophetic Traditions Hadiths., the reports of the companions, and the various opinions that have been voiced regarding the game.