7 Best Good Chess Board Games Reviewed for 2026
Looking for good chess vibes in board games? We tested seven top picks that deliver strategy, laughs, and a taste of good chess.
7 Best Board Games for Fans of Good Chess
Finding a good chess board game is tough when you want a fresh twist but still crave deep strategy. We spent too many weekends arguing over what counts as ‘good chess’ (spoiler: not Monopoly). For this list, we hunted for games that have clever moves, easy rules, and enough replay value to keep even your most serious chess friend happy. Whether you want a tactical puzzle, a quick duel, or a showdown with mythical creatures and weird powers, we’ve got you covered. Prepare to outthink, outplay, and occasionally flip the table. Let’s get started!
On this list:
7 The Duke
The Duke is like good chess but with a twist. Instead of the same moves every game, each piece has a tile with its own moves—and those flips every time you use it! We lost track of the number of times we shouted, ‘Wait, it does THAT now?’ It’s pure head-to-head strategy and every game feels fresh. The rulebook is short but packs a punch. You do need to keep track of the moves on each tile, but that just makes your brain work harder, and we love that. Great for anyone craving a good chess fix but wanting a little more chaos.
6 Onitama
Onitama is possibly the most chilled game about strategy you’ll ever play. It’s like good chess had a spa weekend. You each use the same five movement cards, so you know what your opponent can do. Every move is super clever and you’ll look very wise even when you’re just winging it. We played with both family and friends and it was always easy to teach. With only 5×5 squares, games are quick but packed with tension. If you want to try a good chess style game but don’t want to commit to 4-hour epics, Onitama is the way to go.
5 Chess 2: The Sequel
We laughed at the name too. Chess 2: The Sequel is a real thing and if you’re into good chess but want something new, this is it. You keep the board and some rules, but you get six different armies, each with crazy powers. We found ourselves arguing over which one was the most busted (still not agreed). You also win by getting your king across to the other side, not just by capturing. That really messes with your usual chess plans. The changes bring in new strategies and keep things spicy.
4 Hive
Hive is like good chess escaped into the garden and became obsessed with bugs. There’s no board! You play hex tiles and build the board as you go. Every bug type moves differently, so it feels like chess but more sneaky. We were surprised by how tense it can get with so few pieces. It’s great for travel since all you need are the chunky tiles (which survive our dog’s attempts to eat them). You need to trap the queen bee, but not get trapped yourself, which is harder than it looks.
3 Tash-Kalar: Arena of Legends
If you want good chess but with spells flying and monsters popping up, Tash-Kalar delivers. Each move is about placing pieces to make a pattern—and then unleashing chaos. We played this at a pub night and suddenly everyone was yelling about legendary monsters and tactical blunders. It’s more complex than basic chess, but the combos you can pull off are wild. You can play nice, but usually we all sabotage each other for giggles. It’s a blast for groups that want a bit more mayhem in their strategy.
2 Shobu
Shobu teaches you that looking simple can be evil. The stones and wooden boards make it feel zen, but we ended up double-checking every move and overthinking the whole time. It’s good chess in disguise—simple rules but deep gameplay. You make two moves, one gentle, one rough, and keep pushing each other’s stones off the board. We found it wonderfully tricky, and it always ended with someone saying, ‘Wait, was that legal?’ We think it’s a brilliant little classic that deserves more love.
1 Santorini
Santorini is the best good chess board game we’ve played, hands down. Why? It adds a 3D twist to classic strategies. You move builders around a grid, stacking blocks and domes, and try to reach the top first. It plays super fast, is easy to learn, and the gods powers mean every match feels different. We played dozens of times and it never gets boring. Even our friends who think they hate strategy games loved it. The chunky blocks feel great, the table presence is insane, and victories feel well earned. If you want the best of good chess with fun and a cool look, Santorini is a must-have.
