Ever found yourself vibing with the strategical symphony that is chess, but kinda itching for something a little… different?
Trust me, I get it. Chess is the OG of strategy games, but sometimes even the classics need a lil’ remix.
I’ve rolled the dice, made my moves, and hopped across countless boards to bring you the ultimate lineup of games that’ll give your noggin a workout, just like chess does.
If you’re ready to embark on a new quest of kings, knights, and maybe a few curveballs, then let’s dive deep into the world of strategy.
Similarities Between Chess and Other Strategy Board Games
Checkers: The Classic Alternative
Checkers is a strategy board game that shares some similarities with chess, such as a grid-based playing field.
Both games involve capturing opponent’s pieces and strategic positioning.
- Checkers is a two-player strategy game played on a checkered board with 64 squares arranged on an 8×8 grid
- Makes a great addition to your game collection – an easy to learn, timeless classic
- Features folding game board for easy storage and years of play, plus interlocking checkers
- Great set for teaching the next generation of players
- For 2 players, ages 6 and up
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
However, checkers has simpler rules and fewer types of pieces, making it an accessible alternative for those new to strategy games.
Shogi: The Japanese Variant
Shogi is a Japanese strategy board game that is comparable to chess in many ways.
Both games have distinct pieces with unique movement patterns and require players to think several moves ahead.
- Classic Strategy: A perfect set for the strategy board game enthusiast; Shogi is one of the most interesting chess variants and this beautiful set comes with everything you need to play
- Wood Table Style Board: An elegant and practical Japanese Chess Set for the professional and beginner alike; Made with wood veneer on MDF, this board measures 10.6 x 9.8 x 1.8 inches (27 x 25 x 5…
- Maple Wood Playing Pieces: Traditional Koma playing pieces feature kanji characters in painted running hand script font (Bantarou-goma) using Genpai-goma style with a black character on the head and a…
- Ready To Play: Full English illustrated instruction manual included
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
Shogi, however, introduces the concept of “drops,” where captured pieces can be reused by the capturing player, adding an extra layer of complexity to the game.
Xiangqi: The Game of Chinese Commanders
Xiangqi, also known as Chinese chess, is another strategy board game with similarities to its Western counterpart.
It shares a similar objective of delivering checkmate to the opponent’s commander piece, and both games contain a varied cast of pieces with unique movement strategies.
- Compact, Folding Xianggi Set: Hone your strategic thinking skills on this portable set; Board measures 12.8 x 12.6 x 1.1 inches (32.5 x 32.1 x 2.7 centimeters)
- Complete Playing Pieces: Includes a total of 32 jade-colored playing pieces with red and white Chinese characters; Each piece measures 1.2 x 1.2 x 0.3 inch (3 x 3 x 0.7 centimeter); Game pieces can be…
- Magnetic Chinese Chess Set: The board is outlined with golden grids and edges featuring decorative chariot designs; Strong built-in magnets on the board and playing pieces allow you to play virtually…
- Fun And Educational: Learn and enjoy this alternative chess game and sharpen your strategic thinking skills
- Entire Set Weighs 2.2 lbs (1.02kg)
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
However, Xiangqi incorporates specific board regions and a river, creating additional strategic opportunities.
Arimaa: A Modern Board Game
Arimaa is a contemporary strategy game with a chess-inspired setup.
Both games use an 8×8 board and have similar starting positions for the pieces.
- 2 Player game
- 60 Minutes to play
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
However, Arimaa’s pieces have different movement rules and abilities, and the game is focused on reaching a specific location on the board rather than capturing the opponent’s pieces.
Chaturanga: The Ancestor of Chess
Chaturanga, an ancient Indian game, is considered the predecessor of chess.
With similarities in the board layout and piece movement, Chaturanga laid the foundation for the modern version of chess.
- chaturanga
- bookshelf games
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
While the basic mechanics of the game are similar, there are differences in the piece names and various rules, making it a fascinating look into the history of strategy games.
Hnefatafl and Tafl Games: The Viking Board Games
Hnefatafl, along with other Tafl games, are Viking strategy board games that present an asymmetrical setup, offering an alternative experience to chess.
The goal is for one player to move their king to the edge of the board, while the other player aims to capture the king.
- Fight For Your King: Test your wits with a two player abstract strategy game for fans of traditional board games like chess
- Valhalla Awaits: This authentic viking game was a favorite of medieval warriors and European fighters of the Dark Ages
- Ragnarok On: Hnefatafl includes 37 beautiful faceted wood pieces – including an oversized “King” piece to rescue from the frost giants
- Fit For A Thane: The fully illustrated game board measures 10.5″ square, featuring art of the famed and feared World Serpent. Its single-piece construction doesn’t require a fold, creating a perfectly…
- Train The New Generation: Hnefatafl is appropriate for Vikings 8 and up. Check out the “How to Play” video to learn the game in less than 2 mins
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
Although different from chess in objective and gameplay, the strategic depth and planning in Hnefatafl is comparable to chess.
Makruk: The Thai Version of Chess
Makruk, often referred to as Thai chess, is closely related to chess in terms of gameplay and strategy.
While the board and objective are similar, Makruk has unique piece movements and specific rules for promotion.
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
The game requires a high level of strategic thinking and adaptation for those familiar with traditional chess.
In-Depth Look into Board Games Influenced by Chess
Blokus Duo: A Strategy Tile Game
- Perfect strategy game—takes less than a minute to learn and offers a fun challenge for two players, age 7 and up!
- Players take turns placing their 21 pieces on the board, and each piece must touch another of the same color, but only at the corners.
- Stake your claim and protect your territory by fitting as many of your pieces on the board as possible while strategically blocking your opponent!
- The game ends when no more pieces can be placed down, and the player with fewer pieces remaining wins!
- Great for game nights with family and friends!
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
Blokus Duo is a two-player strategy game that challenges you to place your colored tiles on the board while blocking your opponent from doing the same.
Your goal is to place as many of your tiles as possible without giving your opponent too much space.
This game requires strategic thinking and spatial reasoning, much like chess.
Onitama: The Strategy Game of Movement
- 2 minutes to learn, 10 minutes to play, a lifetime to master
- Second game in the dice tower essentials Line of games approved by Tom Vasel
- A game of elegance and simplicity
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
In Onitama, you take control of a martial arts master and their students in a head-to-head battle against another player’s team.
The game involves capturing your opponent’s master or moving your own master into the opponent’s temple, which are similar concepts to king capturing or checkmate in chess.
The main difference is that each game of Onitama features randomly selected cards dictating the legal moves for each character.
Hive: An Insect-Themed Strategy Game
- High quality
- Soldier ants and grasshoppers
- Made by Gen42 games honored for excellence by Mensa select
- Dr.Toy product of excellence award winner
- International gamer awards winner
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
Hive is a tactical board game where your goal is to surround your opponent’s queen bee using a variety of insect-themed tiles.
Each tile represents a different insect, each with its own unique movement abilities.
The strategic placement and movement of tiles create a chess-like experience, where controlling the board is crucial to your victory.
Photosynthesis: A Sun-Turning Strategy
- Strategy Board Game: Photosynthesis Is One Of The Best Environmental Board Games Referring To The Life Cycle Of Trees, For Science And Biology Enthusiasts. This Best-Selling Board Game Has An Amazing…
- Family Or Adult Strategy Game:This 2 To 4 Players Nature Inspired Game Can Be Enjoyed By Parents Playing With Their Children As Well As Adults, Also Plays Very Well As A 2 Players Abstract Board Game….
- How To Play: Photosynthesis Uses An Action Points Allowance System Mechanism. Take Your Trees Through Their Life-Cycle, From Seedling To Full Bloom To Rebirth, And Earn Light Points As Their Leaves…
- Photosynthesis Was One Of The Top Rated Board Games When It Was Released At Gen Con. It Is Easy To Play For Families Enjoying Other Blue Orange Classic And Award Winning Board Games Like Kingdomino,…
- English (Publication Language)
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
In Photosynthesis, your goal is to strategically grow trees and collect sunlight points.
You need to carefully manage your resources and position your trees in areas where they can receive the most sunlight.
Much like chess, this game requires you to think several turns ahead to optimize your strategy and block your opponents.
Cathedral: A Strategic Area Control Game
- High Quality
- Proprietary design
- Exceptional performance
- Challenge your opponent to a game of strategy with Cathedral Classic from Family Games
- This logical thinking puzzle pits 2 players against each other as they battle to build castles on the game board
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
Cathedral is an abstract, area control game where you place your buildings strategically within a walled city, aiming to control the most significant portion of the area.
Placement must be done carefully, considering your opponents’ moves and planning for future turns.
This strategic placement aspect has a chess-like feel to it.
Azul: The Game of Portuguese Tiles
- BECOME AN ARTISAN: Craft exquisite tile mosaics in this award-winning board game.
- STRATEGY MATTERS: Plan your moves carefully to outscore opponents and disrupt their plans.
- HIGH-QUALITY COMPONENTS: Enjoy top-notch components and beautiful tile pieces.
- FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN: Suitable for players of all ages, making it a perfect addition to game night.
- DESIGNED BY A MASTER: Created by world-renowned game author Michael Riesling.
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
In Azul, your goal is to create beautiful tile patterns on your player board.
The game requires you to select particular tiles from shared collections while also predicting and blocking the moves of your opponents.
This combination of strategy and foresight is reminiscent of chess, where planning your moves and anticipating your opponent’s actions are key.
7 Wonders: A Card Drafting Masterpiece
- STRATEGY GAME: You are a leader of one of the seven greatest cities of the Ancient World. Gather resources, develop commercial routes and affirm your military supremacy. Build your city and erect an…
- BUILD YOUR CIVILIZATION: Players draft cards over multiple rounds, carefully building towards long-term goals. Keep an eye on your neighbors’ progress since they share similar ambitions. Will your…
- HOW TO WIN THIS GAME: Each player compares their military strength with one of their neighboring cities. After the third age, players score the points given by their cards and their military…
- FAST & FUN GAME FOR FAMILIES: Average 30 minutes of gameplay with 3-7 players. The perfect gift to add to family game night with kids aged 10 and up!
- REPLAY FOR NEW FUN GAMEPLAY: 7 Wonders offers quick gameplays which keep players engaged. Looking for new adventures? Try our 3 Expansions New Editions: Cities, Leaders and Armada (Note: All…
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
7 Wonders is a card drafting and civilization-building game where you aim to develop your city to accumulate the most victory points.
Each turn, you select a card from a hand and pass the rest to your neighboring players.
This strategic card selection and drafting mechanic can be likened to positioning chess pieces on the board, making 7 Wonders an excellent strategic alternative to chess.
Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game: A Zombie Survival Game
- SURVIVAL GAME: Dead of Winter A Crossroads Game is an experience that can only be accomplished through the medium of tabletop games. It is a story-centric experience about surviving the harsh winter…
- STRATEGY GAME: Players must frequently make difficult decisions and often choose between what actions are best for the colony and what is best for themselves. Survive the winter, survive the dead and…
- COOPERATIVE GAME: While the survivors are all dealing with their own psychological imperatives, they must still find a way to work together to fight off outside threats, resolve crises, find food and…
- HIGHLY VARIABLE: Play as dozens of unique characters in this enagaging and emergent narrative game and make wildly-varying decisions so that no two games are ever exactly the same. Watch out for a…
- NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND AVERAGE PLAYTIME: This fun adventure game for teens and adults is made for 2 to 5 players and is suitable for ages 13 and older. Average playtime is approximately 60 to 120…
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
Dead of Winter is a cooperative game where you and your fellow players face the harsh challenges of living in a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies.
While the theme differs vastly from chess, the game emphasizes strategic decision-making and resource management, making it an engaging alternative for fans of chess.
Risk: The Game of Global Domination
- THE GAME OF STRATEGIC CONQUEST: Betrayals! Alliances! Surprise attacks! In the Risk game, players build an army and lead their troops to glory. Who will take over the world to win?
- 300 FIGURES: Includes 5 plastic armies and 5 war crates for easy storage. Players assemble their army and try to conquer the enemies’ territories by moving their troops and engaging in battle
- 4 FUN WAYS TO PLAY: Choose from 4 strategy gameplay variations—Classic Risk, Secret Mission Risk, Risk for 2 Players, and Capital Risk
- MISSION CARDS SPEED UP GAME: In Secret Mission Risk, it’s a race to complete a secret mission! Each player receives one of 12 Secret Mission cards, and only that player will know their objective
- RICHLY DETAILED GAMEBOARD: The detailed gameboard art draws players into the Risk gaming world. It features a map, divided into territories and grouped into 6 continents
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
Risk is a classic game of global conquest, where you control armies to achieve dominance by invading territories and defeating opponents.
This game requires strategical planning, tactical thinking, and clever alliances.
The concept of controlling and dominating territories has a similar feel to chess, making Risk an excellent board game choice for chess enthusiasts.