Best Chess Game for Android in 2025: Top 7 Picks
Discover the best chess game for android with our top pick: an engaging twist that keeps both beginners and pros entertained.
Get ready to checkmate boredom! Our team has gathered the 7 best ‘best chess game for android’-inspired board games. We focus on replayability, strategy, and sheer fun factor. We believe the essence of chess lies in strategic thinking, and these games hit the mark. From intense head-to-head battles to clever twists on classic moves, these games offer something for every player. Whether a seasoned strategist or a newbie, these picks promise endless mental gymnastics and fun. So, gather your friends and prepare for a strategic showdown without the screen glare!
Compare a few picks
| Game | Players | Play time | Age | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Checkers | 2 | 30 minutes | 6+ | Check on Amazon ↗ |
| Santorini | 2-4 | 20 minutes | 8+ | Check on Amazon ↗ |
| Hive | 2 | 20 minutes | 9+ | Check on Amazon ↗ |
On this list:
7 Checkers
Checkers is a classic and a great way to get started with strategy games. This game has been around for ages and might even be older than your grandma. It’s a straightforward alternative to chess, and it’s perfect if you’ve just started your path in the strategy game world. I once played with my buddy Dave, who always forgets which way the pieces move, but still managed to beat me! If you like chess, this game might just be what you’re looking for in terms of strategic thinking.
6 Santorini
Santorini is like a tropical vacation in board game form, minus the sunburn. It’s an abstract strategy game with simple rules but deep gameplay. We loved the 3D aspect of it, making you feel like a tiny giant builder. Playing Santorini with friends often leads to some pretty intense competition and a ton of laughs, especially when someone tries to build their way to victory and accidentally helps their opponent. The god powers add a unique twist to each game, ensuring no two games are ever the same. It’s challenging, but not so much that you can’t enjoy it after a few beers.
5 Hive
Hive is like chess’s cooler, better looking cousin. It’s a two-player game where the goal is to use your bugs to surround the opponent’s queen bee. It’s portable and doesn’t require a board, making it perfect for travel. We’ve taken this one camping, and we can confirm it plays just as well by firelight, as it does at home. The strategic depth means it always keeps us on our toes and because the pieces are like beautiful, chunky bugs, our games sometimes turn into entomology lessons. A wonderful choice if you are looking for the best chess game for android experience, but want it in board game form.
4 Onitama
Onitama is fast and a bit flashy. It’s like if chess put on a fancy kimono and moved to Japan. The game is played on a 5×5 grid with movement cards that change every game, so no two games are alike. We love how quick it is to play, making it perfect for when you just want a short brain workout. The rules are easy to understand, and even our friend Tim, who once tried to castle in backgammon, picked it up quickly. If the best chess game for android had a Japanese cousin, Onitama would be it.
3 The Duke
The Duke, with its royal air and strategic depth, feels like chess decided to tell its family history through clever tiles and tactical positioning. You randomly draw tiles from a bag, each with different movement abilities. It’s like chess but with a touch of surprise! It’s as if the chess pieces decided to shuffle their jobs every time they moved. Pefect for those who want the unpredictability of drawing lots with the strategic feel of the best chess game for android.
2 Quoridor
Quoridor is a minimalist chess variant that turns a simple board into a labyrinth of strategy and blocks. It’s like a race against your opponents to reach their side, while everyone tries to block your way with tiny walls. It’s quick to play but requires planning and foresight, just like the best chess game for android that you’re trying to emulate at a table. When the game ends, it’s all smiles and high-fives, even if you’ve been walled in from every side.
1 Onitama
Onitama stands out as the best, with the perfect blend of strategy, simplicity, and class. It’s quick to set up and every match feels fresh due to varying movement cards. It was a hit in our gaming circle because it creates that beautiful tension of chess but without the lengthy commitment. The gameplay is smooth, engaging, and the cherry on top? It’s short and sweet, making it the perfect board game when you’re in the mood for a chess-like experience but don’t have hours to spare.