Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 4 years ago
Bismihi ta'ala
In regards to chess specifically, and playing it of course with no gambling, this is a fiqhi matter, where our esteemed Maraji' have different verdicts.
For example, A.U. Seyid Sistani (may Allah prolong his life) says that it is absolutely haram.
As for A.U. Seyid Khamenei (may Allah prolong his life), he says if it is commonly seen in the custom of people ('urf) as a gambling instrument, then it is haram, and if not, then it is halal.
You must refer to your Marja' taqleed for this fatwa.
And Allah knows best.