The ruling on playing chess in Islam varies depending on specific conditions:

1. If it involves gambling: Playing chess for money or any form of betting is unanimously considered haram by scholars. It is regarded as a form of gambling, which is prohibited in Islam.
2. If it leads to neglecting duties: If playing chess causes one to neglect obligatory acts such as prayer, filial duties, or engages in sinful behaviors like lying, it is considered haram. Scholars agree that any activity leading to neglecting religious obligations is impermissible.
3. If it is free from these issues: Scholars have differing opinions:
   • Some, including the Hanafi and Hanbali schools, consider it haram even without gambling or neglecting duties, citing its potential to distract and waste time.
   • The Shafi’i school generally considers it makruh (disliked) rather than haram, though some scholars like al-Balqini argued for its permissibility if it does not involve any prohibited elements.
   • The Maliki school views occasional play as makruh, but habitual play can lead to a loss of credibility and testimony.

In summary, playing chess without gambling or neglecting duties ranges from being highly discouraged to potentially permissible, but many scholars lean towards prohibition due to its potential negative impacts.

Sources:

1. IslamWeb – Ruling on playing chess

And Allah knows best.