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Chess / Similar games

18 games like Chess

The best games like Chess are Onitama, Checkers and Shogi — the closest of 18 ranked alternatives, scored by shared mechanics and category. Onitama shares abstract strategy, grid movement, pattern movement with Chess.

Ranked alternatives to Chess (abstract strategy), scored by shared mechanics and category, with complexity kept close to Chess’s medium-heavy weight.

  1. 1. Onitama (2014)
    2 players · 15–20 min · ★ 7.4 · Medium-light
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Pattern Movement, Square Grid
  2. 2. Checkers (1150)
    2 players · 30 min · ★ 4.9 · Medium-light
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Pattern Movement, Square Grid
  3. 3. Shogi (1587)
    2 players · 60 min · ★ 7.4 · Medium-heavy
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Pattern Movement, Square Grid
  4. 4. Feudal (1967)
    2–6 players · 90 min · ★ 6.0 · Medium-light
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Square Grid, Static Capture
  5. 5. Vendetta (1881)
    2–4 players · 45 min · ★ 6.0 · Medium
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Square Grid, Static Capture
  6. 6. Jungle King
    2 players · 20 min · ★ 6.0 · Medium-light
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Square Grid, Static Capture
  7. 7. Inside Moves (1930)
    2 players · 15 min · ★ 6.7 · Medium-light
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Square Grid, Static Capture
  8. 8. Fox and Geese (1400)
    2 players · 20 min · ★ 4.8 · Medium-light
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Square Grid, Static Capture
  9. 9. Stratego (1946)
    2 players · 45 min · ★ 6.1 · Medium-light
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Square Grid
  10. 10. Torres (1999)
    2–4 players · 60 min · ★ 7.1 · Medium
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Square Grid
  11. 11. Quoridor Travel (1997)
    2–4 players · 15 min · ★ 6.7 · Medium-light
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Square Grid
  12. 12. Abalone Classic (1987)
    2 players · 30 min · ★ 6.5 · Medium-light
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Static Capture
  13. 13. Mexica (2002)
    2–4 players · 90 min · ★ 7.2 · Medium
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Square Grid
  14. 14. The Duke (2013)
    2 players · 30 min · ★ 7.4 · Medium-light
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Pattern Movement
  15. 15. Tak University Edition (2017)
    2 players · 20–60 min · ★ 7.6 · Medium
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Square Grid
  16. 16. Xiangqi (762)
    2 players · 60 min · ★ 7.1 · Medium-heavy
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement
  17. 17. Hnefatafl (400)
    2 players · 20 min · ★ 6.6 · Medium
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Square Grid
  18. 18. Laser Chess (2011)
    2 players · 30 min · ★ 6.7 · Medium
    Shares with Chess: Abstract Strategy, Grid Movement, Square Grid
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Frequently asked

What game is most like Chess?
Onitama (2014) is the closest match to Chess, sharing abstract strategy, grid movement, pattern movement. It rates 7.4/10 on BoardGameGeek.
What should I play if I like Chess?
Onitama, Checkers, Shogi are the top-ranked alternatives to Chess in the MeeplePick database, matched on medium-heavy complexity as well as mechanics. All 18 are ranked on this page with the shared mechanics shown for each.

Looking for the original? See the full Chess fact page — players, play time, age and complexity.