Chess
The classic strategy board game, played online, in clubs or over the board.
Sign in to save hobbies.
Startup cost
Free or nearly free
Difficulty
Some practice needed
Typical session
~30 min
Activity
Sitting / gentle
Space
Fits in a drawer
Equipment
Little or none
What do you actually do?
- Play games online or in person
- Solve tactics puzzles
- Study openings and endgames
Why people enjoy it
- Deep strategy
- Play anyone, anywhere
- Clubs and online communities
What you'll need
- Free online account or a chess set
Startup cost: Free or nearly free — a rough beginner estimate in US dollars (2026). Borrowing, secondhand and library kits can bring it down.
Time & difficulty
A typical session is about 30 minutes. Some practice needed: first tries are wobbly, but a few sessions make a real difference.
Getting started
- Learn how pieces move
- Do 5 tactics puzzles a day
- Play slower games to learn
- Look for a local chess club
Common beginner mistakes
- Memorizing openings before tactics
- Only playing blitz
- Not reviewing losses
Accessibility
Online play works with screen readers on some sites; tactile sets exist.
Courses & resources
We haven't verified specific courses yet, so we're not listing any rather than guessing. Libraries, community centers and the official sites of tools you use are good first stops.