Countries Where Chess Is (or Was) Banned

Chess is usually seen as the ultimate mind-sport: quiet, strategic, universal. But in certain places, for cultural, religious or political reasons, it’s been banned or heavily restricted. Here are six countries where chess has faced serious prohibition or suspension — with ideas where you might extend to reach a full ten.

 

 

1. Afghanistan

In May 2025 the regime of Taliban officially suspended the sport of chess nationwide, stating that it is “a means of gambling” and thus inconsistent with their interpretation of Sharia law. RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty+2GBH+2 The country’s national chess federation was dissolved, and public chess clubs and tournaments were halted. Chess.com+1
Why it matters: Afghanistan is perhaps the clearest current example of a full chess ban, showing how the game can be seen not just as recreation but as ideology.

Chess has been played in Afghanistan for centuries, tracing back to ancient Chaturanga, the game’s Indian ancestor

 

 

 

2. Iran

After the 1979 Islamic Revolution chess was declared forbidden by top religious authorities on the grounds of gambling and “leisure that distracts from duty” — the ban lasted around a decade until the late 1980s. firstpost.com+2iranwire.com+2 Though now the game is legal and Iran even produces strong players, the historical ban remains a significant part of chess history.
Why it matters: This shows how a major chess-nation once suppressed the game, and how cultural/religious context can flip a pastime into a taboo.

Iran is home to some of the Middle East’s strongest chess players, with Alireza Firouzja rising to world prominence

 

 

 

3. Saudi Arabia

While not a formal nationwide ban, in 2016 the Grand Mufti declared chess to be “forbidden” (haram) under Islam because it was likened to gambling and wasted time and money. TIME+1
Why it matters: Even without a full legal ban, the official religious condemnation influenced public perception and made chess an unofficial taboo in some contexts.

Once discouraged by conservative clerics, chess has recently grown in popularity across Saudi Arabia’s youth scene

 

 

 

4. China

During the era of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) many games, cultural activities and board games were banned or discouraged as part of the crackdown on “bourgeois” pastimes. According to some sources, chess was among those suppressed. firstpost.com
Why it matters: This shows a political-ideological ban rather than a purely religious one, illustrating another reason a country might restrict chess.

China has become a global chess powerhouse, producing world champions like Ding Liren and Hou Yifan

 

 

 

5. Afghanistan (1996‑2001)

When the Taliban first held power in Afghanistan (1996-2001), chess was banned outright. The ban was lifted after their fall, but the earlier era stands as an example. GBH+1
Why it matters: It connects with the more recent ban and shows that chess suppression in a country can come in waves over decades.

Despite decades of conflict, chess remains a quiet symbol of intellect and patience among Afghan youth

 

 

 

 

SHOP TODAY

Chess doesn’t just sit quietly on a board. In many places it interacts with culture, religion, politics, identity. When a country bans or restricts chess, it’s not just about pawns and kings — it’s about control, values and what kind of thinking is allowed.
If you’re inspired by how powerful a game chess can be, check out SunsetChess.com — it’s where strategy meets style, and where every piece on the board tells a story. Whether you’re playing for pleasure or playing for power, choose a set that makes your next move count.