Wizard's Chess was a board game, the magical version of the Muggle game Chess - both games developed around the same time, and as a descendant of the ancient Persian game shatranj (or Wizard Shatranj!). The game was played with the same rules as the Muggle game, but pieces were enchanted to move on command, and would attack losing pieces and smash them to pieces.

Casual games were common at Hogwarts School, but formal tournaments were also held, allowing talented players to become Wizard Chess Champion or chess masters. Hogwarts and Beauxbatons had a fierce rivalry over Wizard's Chess.

A large chessboard was set up in the defence of the Philosopher's Stone, designed by Professor McGonagall.

Known moves and strategies in Wizard's Chess include the Dragon Variation of the Slytherin Defence, as well as its Counter; Grans' Gambit, Grand Gambit, and Horned-Toad Gambit.