8 Best Chess Play Games Reviewed for 2025
Explore the best chess play themed board games that challenge your skill while bringing laughter and fun to the table.
Ah, the thrill of finding that perfect board game that captures the essence of the best chess play! We have all been there; endlessly scanning aisles filled with games, unsure of which one to pick. But worry no more! We’ve put together a list of the top 8 board games that promise to deliver the strategic excitement reminiscent of chess. We focus on games that are easy to learn yet challenging to master, with the potential for hours of captivating gameplay. Our aim is to help you discover the game that turns your living room into a battlefield of wits and strategy.
On this list:
8 Onitama
Onitama is a great choice for those looking for an elegant and quick chess-like experience. The game offers a 5×5 board and only five pieces per player, making it easily accessible. We love how the movement choices are limited and change each game, adding variety and strategic depth without overwhelming new players. The simplicity also allows for engaging mind games, similar to classic chess. Onitama is a wonderful fit for anyone in search of the best chess play theme in a game that’s both relaxing and stimulating.
7 The Duke
In The Duke, players draw tiles that represent pieces and place them on the board. Each tile has its own movement pattern like chess. We appreciate its strategic depth and unpredictability, which keeps it fresh. The Duke’s beauty lies in the shift of movement pattern when a piece is flipped—it’s like a brainy chess tango. This game captures the essence of finding the best chess play in a more dynamic format. Highly recommended for innovative thinkers who love a strategic surprise or two!
6 Hive
Hive is a fast-paced abstract strategy game that’s been a hit among our friends. Unlike chess, there’s no board—pieces are placed to form their own playing area. It offers a best chess play vibe by having each insect piece move differently, similar to chess pieces. Hive is intriguing as it combines straightforward rules with deep strategical opportunities. It’s tiny, portable, and perfect for a quick match anywhere, anytime, making it a worthy choice for a chess-like experience.
5 Santorini
Santorini is as much a brainy challenge as it is visually delightful. Players maneuver builders on a 3×3 grid, aiming to construct a three-story tower. The catch? Opponents can block you. We enjoy how this game evokes the mind-bending strategies of chess while being easy to learn. It’s all about the best chess play in terms of positioning and planning. With adorable components and strategic layers, Santorini is perfect for everyone looking for a fun yet challenging board game.
4 Blokus
Blokus brings a fresh twist to the classic tactical play reminiscent of chess. We adore the easy to grasp rules: place your pieces on the board without having them touch. Its charm lies in spatial strategy, encouraging players to think ahead and block opponents’ moves. Blokus is simple to learn but offers a wealth of strategic depth, making it fun for both kids and adults. For those seeking a light-hearted alternative to chess with a twist of the best chess play, Blokus is a top pick.
3 Pentago
Pentago is a modern classic that packs a punch in strategic thinking, similar to a chess match. Players aim to line up five marbles in a row, but with a twist: parts of the board rotate. This causes strategies to shift continually. We admire its blend of simplicity and cunning, which demands players make the best chess play decisions on the fly. It’s a brilliant choice for those who appreciate the nuances of chess but crave a unique tactical challenge.
2 Tash-Kalar: Arena of Legends
If the idea of chess on steroids excites, then Tash-Kalar is your game. This game has patterns, combos, and a fantasy twist, offering depth and dynamic play. With two modes, players can focus on battling or creating compelling patterns. We love the puzzle-like challenge and the strategic adaptation needed to master it. Tash-Kalar embodies the best chess play by demanding foresight and cleverness in every turn, making it a perfect fit for seasoned gamers.
1 Arimaa
Arimaa is our top pick for those itching for the best chess play. Created to be more complex for AI than humans, it offers depth appreciated by chess lovers. With animal pieces and unique movement rules, it pushes players to think ahead. The game encourages creativity and strategic planning, akin to chess but with a fresh twist. We crown Arimaa the best because it brings the joy of chess while challenging even the most tactical minds. It’s accessible, deep, and endlessly replayable.
