Alright, buckle up, because today I’m sharing my honest review of chess. If you think chess is just for old men in parks or weirdos with pocket protectors, you’re in for a surprise. I’ve roped in my friends (some smarter than others) for endless sessions of this brain-burning classic, and I’ve cooked up plenty of thoughts. Spoiler: it’s not just about staring at a board and saying, “Checkmate!” So, should you make your next game night all about chess, or leave it to the grandpas? Let’s get into it!
How It Plays
Setting Up
Find a chess board, make sure the bottom-right square is white. Line up the pieces: rooks in the corners, knights next to them, bishops beside, then queen on her color and king on the last spot. Fill the second row with pawns. Each player sits on opposite sides.
Gameplay
White goes first, then you just take turns moving one piece at a time. Each piece moves its own weird way (don’t ask why the horse hops, it just does). You try to capture your opponent’s pieces and protect your king. If you forget how a piece moves, just ask or blame your dog.
Winning the Game
The goal is to trap your opponent’s king so he can’t escape—this is called ‘checkmate.’ If you do that, you win! If neither of you can checkmate, it’s a draw, so nobody has to do the dishes.
Want to know more? Read our extensive strategy guide for Chess.
How Much Brain Power Does Chess Really Take?
When it comes to strategy and player skill, chess is the board game equivalent of running a marathon with your brain. Seriously, if you ever want to feel smart and stupid in the same hour, chess is your ticket. I once sat down to play my supposedly “casual” friend, who pulled out an opening called the Sicilian Defense and suddenly I felt like I was drowning in a sea of pawns.
Every move in chess can lead to a thousand different outcomes, and there’s no luck to save you. Trust me, I’ve tried. The only dice you’re rolling are the ones in your head, and there’s no rescue when you blunder your queen. This game rewards thinking ahead, spotting patterns, and sometimes, just outwaiting your opponent until they need a bathroom break. I love that you can bash out a crazy attack—or play it safe and slow. Every match feels different based on who you’re up against.
Chess absolutely chews up beginners, so you’ll need to put in some work to get better. But that’s half the fun! Winning feels earned, and even losing can teach you more than binge-watching a whole season of detective shows. If you like using your brain and don’t mind occasionally losing to an 8-year-old chess prodigy, this game’s for you.
Next, let’s check if this ancient game is as fair as it is challenging, or if someone snuck a weighted pawn onto the board…
Game Balance and Fairness: Is Chess the Gold Standard?
If there’s one thing you can’t accuse chess of, it’s being unfair. Chess must have been designed by someone who’d lost at Monopoly one too many times. When I play chess with my friends—yes, even the extra sneaky ones—everyone starts with the same pieces, the same board, and no little ‘get out of jail free’ cards tucked up anyone’s sleeve. No dice rolling, no card draws, and not even a coin toss. It’s as fair as a coin that’s not even being flipped.
What does this mean for balance? Well, chess is pretty much the poster child for balanced games. Both players get exactly the same army, lined up mirror-style, staring each other down like two kids in a “who blinks first” contest. This means it’s up to you (and your caffeine intake) to tip the scales. There’s no built-in advantage for being the cool kid or the board game veteran. Although, fun fact—white moves first, which hardcore chess heads love to debate about. Some say it’s a tiny edge, but after seeing my pal Bob blunder away a knight in move three, I’m pretty sure the problem isn’t with the color.
Chess’s balance is so rock-solid, it’s been used to train computers and blow grandmasters’ minds for centuries. So if you hate losing to bad luck, chess is your safe haven. Up next, I’ll spill the beans on whether chess rolls out the red carpet for newbies, or just trips them at the door!
Getting Started: Is Chess Easy for Newbies?
When I first sat down to play chess, I thought it would be a breeze. Just six types of pieces on a checkerboard, right? Oh, sweet summer child. But, here’s the thing—chess is surprisingly friendly for brand new players. Anyone can learn how each piece moves in about ten minutes. My 9-year-old nephew, who thinks broccoli is a fruit, picked it up faster than I could finish my coffee.
The rules are simple and clear. No wild cards, hidden bonuses, or ten-pages of instructions to scare off new players. Chess does not judge you for your beginner mistakes. You’ll lose your queen in five moves and still get a handshake at the end. The board setup is easy—no need to find those missing dice (looking at you, Monopoly). You get a set, plop down the pieces, and you’re good to go.
Now, becoming good at chess? That’s a different beast. While it’s open to all, the difference between knowing the rules and not blundering your rook is… well, years. Luckily, there are endless tutorials online. You can find apps, videos, books, and even oddly motivational TikToks by chess grandmas to help you out. The chess community is pretty welcoming too. I once played online and, after losing, got helpful tips instead of the usual “git gud”.
So, is chess easy to learn? Totally. Easy to master? Not even close. Next up, let’s talk about how often you’ll want to keep dusting off that board, and if chess can keep you hooked forever or not!
Checkmate Boredom: Does Chess Stay Fun Over Time?
Alright, let’s talk replay value. I own board games that get played once and then live out eternity on my shelf, gathering dust and the occasional spider. But chess? No dust. No spiders. If you check my shelf, the chess set is always missing—because it’s usually out on the table or in a bag, ready for action.
Here’s the deal: chess never runs out of steam. There’s always a new twist, a sneaky tactic, or a wild plan to try. I still remember the time I called my shot—going for a queen sacrifice. My friends gasped louder than when I burned my grilled cheese. (Both times were dramatic, but chess was more delicious.)
No two games of chess ever feel the same. I can play against my mischievous nephew or a buddy from work, and it’s a unique experience every round. There are literally trillions of possible board positions. I tried to count them once, but lost track at 37. It’s impossible to play the same game twice!
If you want a game you’ll never outgrow, chess is it. All those tiny moves add up to epic stories and worthy rivalries. You’ll keep coming back, because there’s always something to learn, no matter how many times you’ve played. Plus, you get to feel like a genius—even if you only win because your friend forgot how knights move.
So, do I recommend chess? Absolutely. It’s the last game you’ll ever need to buy. Just don’t let your friends gloat too much!
Conclusion
Alright, that wraps up my chess review! I’ve played this classic with friends and even lost to my 10-year-old cousin once (my ego still hurts). Chess is all skill and zero luck. It’s the fairest game you’ll find—no hidden cards or dice ruining your day. New players can pick up the basics fast, and if you stick with it, you’ll never run out of new ways to play. Replay value? Off the charts. Overall, I highly recommend chess, unless you’re allergic to thinking, in which case, maybe try Hungry Hungry Hippos.
