Characters That I Think Would Be Great at Chess

Characters (TV Shows, Books, Movies) That I Think Would Be Great at Chess

I’m convinced some fictional characters would be absolute monsters at chess—not because they play it on screen or page (some do), but because their personality just screams "I will outmaneuver you and destroy your confidence in under 30 moves." This is my completely accurate list of people who could probably beat Magnus Carlsen in a parallel universe. Agree? Disagree? Comment your own.

Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock / Arthur Conan Doyle)

Sherlock Holmes would approach the chessboard like a crime scene waiting to be solved. Every piece would have a purpose and every move a deduction, as he reads your strategy like an open book. His precise calculations and keen observations would leave his opponent wondering where they went wrong—even as he casually remarks, “Elementary.”

Annabeth Chase (Percy Jackson series)

Daughter of Athena, Annabeth Chase is the embodiment of strategic brilliance. With her innate knack for planning and an instinct that’s almost preternatural, she’d be three moves ahead of you at all times. Calm and collected, she’d dismantle your defenses with the confidence of someone who’s always prepared for any battle.

Elizabeth Zott (Lessons in Chemistry)

Elizabeth Zott would treat a chess game as a scientific experiment, analyzing each move like a chemical equation. Methodical yet innovative, she’d unravel your strategy with precision and turn your moves into a failed hypothesis. Her calm intensity and logical approach would leave you rethinking every decision you made.

Spock (Star Trek)

Spock’s mastery of logic and unwavering focus would make him a formidable chess opponent. With a mind that calculates multiple scenarios in seconds, he’d see through every gambit with dispassionate efficiency. To him, winning isn’t about triumph—it’s about achieving the most logical outcome, leaving no room for error.

Wednesday Addams (Wednesday/Addams Family)

With her unique blend of dark humor and quiet intensity, Wednesday Addams would transform a chess match into a psychological duel. Every move would carry a silent threat, and her unwavering stare would make you feel as if the board itself were conspiring against you. When checkmate comes, it would be as subtle as it is inevitable.

Katara (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Katara’s calm demeanor and unwavering focus would make her an exceptional chess player. Like water flowing around obstacles, her strategy would adapt seamlessly to your moves, slowly overwhelming your defenses. Just as she masters waterbending, she’d master the art of patience and precision on the chessboard.

Professor McGonagall (Harry Potter)

Professor McGonagall would command the chessboard with the poise of a seasoned professor. With a perfect blend of tradition and ruthless efficiency, she’d dismantle your game piece by piece while offering you a lesson in strategy and decorum. Her silent confidence would serve as a stark reminder that sometimes, the best lessons are learned the hard way.

L (Death Note)

L might seem distracted, but his unorthodox methods hide a razor-sharp intellect. With a penchant for psychological warfare, he’d make you doubt every move you planned, all while munching on cake. His unpredictable style and unconventional tactics would keep you guessing until the very end.

Beth Harmon (The Queen’s Gambit)

I don’t know why... I just have a feeling she’d be kind of good at chess. 

Light Yagami (Death Note)

Light Yagami would approach chess as another arena to prove his intellectual superiority. Every move would be meticulously planned, and every sacrifice made for the sake of a grand strategy. His cold, calculated style would be as intimidating as it is effective, leaving you questioning your every decision.

Lisa Simpson (The Simpsons)

Lisa Simpson’s smarts and determination would translate perfectly to the chessboard. Balancing her academic brilliance with a competitive spirit, she’d dive deep into every opening theory and endgame tactic. Even in the midst of chaos, her focus would secure her victory time and again.

Tony Stark (MCU)

 Tony Stark’s genius isn’t just limited to his tech innovations—his strategic mind would make him a force to reckon with in chess as well. Amid witty banter and clever quips, he’d craft moves that were as unpredictable as his inventions. His dynamic approach would leave you both dazzled and outmatched.

Shuri (Black Panther)

Shuri is as brilliant as she is bold. With her cutting-edge intellect and a flair for creativity, she’d reinvent traditional strategies and leave you scrambling to adapt. Every game would be a high-tech showdown where she’s not only playing chess—she’s redefining it.

Annalise Keating (How to Get Away With Murder)

Annalise Keating’s knack for strategy and mind games would make her an unpredictable chess adversary. She’d lull you into a false sense of security before launching a counterattack that turns the entire game on its head. In her world, every move is a calculated risk designed to secure ultimate victory.

Yoda (Star Wars)

Yoda’s wisdom and unorthodox approach would give him an edge on the chessboard. He might speak in riddles, yet each cryptic piece of advice would be a masterclass in strategy. His subtle, slow-building maneuvers would leave you bewildered and, inevitably, checkmated.

Nico di Angelo (Percy Jackson)

Nico di Angelo would be the quiet storm on the chessboard. Unassuming at first, his strategic moves would gradually turn the tide of the game. With a mysterious aura and a knack for surprises, he’d leave his opponents questioning whether they ever truly saw him coming.

Violet Baudelaire (A Series of Unfortunate Events)

Violet’s inventive mind and resourcefulness would shine through in a chess match. Crafting unique strategies and anticipating every counter, she’d approach each game like a challenging engineering puzzle. Her innovative gameplay would be both elegant and ruthlessly effective.

Ender Wiggin (Ender’s Game)

Ender Wiggin doesn’t just play games—he redefines them. With an innate ability to see the bigger picture, his tactics would dismantle your strategy before you even knew what hit you. Every move would be part of a larger plan, leaving you stunned by his relentless precision.

Katherine Johnson (Hidden Figures)

While not fictional, Katherine Johnson’s brilliance in mathematics and unwavering determination would make her an incredible chess strategist. Her ability to solve complex problems under pressure would translate perfectly onto the chessboard, where every calculation counts. Her quiet strength and precision would ensure that every move is both calculated and revolutionary.

Comment if you have any more suggestions!