play chess
/pleɪ tʃes/
Meaning
This phrase refers to participating in the classic two-player board game of strategy called chess. It is a universal, neutral term used by speakers of all levels. It can describe a casual hobby, a competitive sport, or a learning activity.
Examples
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My grandfather taught me how to play chess when I was seven.
My grandfather taught me how to play chess when I was seven.
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They like to play chess in the park on sunny afternoons.
They like to play chess in the park on sunny afternoons.
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It takes a lot of concentration and patience to play chess well.
It takes a lot of concentration and patience to play chess well.
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Would you like to play chess with me this evening?
Would you like to play chess with me this evening?
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He joined the school club so he could play chess with other students.
He joined the school club so he could play chess with other students.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I want to play the chess.
✓ I want to play chess.
Do not use the definite article 'the' before the names of board games or sports.
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✗ We made a chess yesterday.
✓ We played chess yesterday.
Use the verb 'play' for board games, not 'make' or 'do'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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He is looking for an opponent to ___ with him.
💡 participate in the classic strategy board game
Show answer
play chess
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If you want to improve, you should ___ every day.
💡 engage in this two-player mental game
Show answer
play chess