The game is loved by England's Euro stars who use it to relax.
And with International Chess Day on the way on July 20, it’s a perfect chance to look at some supporters of the game closer to home.
There's photos from 1974 to 2006 taking in Sunderland Polytechnic, Hylton Red House, East Herrington Primary and Oxclose Junior School.
High Barnes, Hetton and Horden schools also get our attention.
If you are a king or queen of the boards, tell us more.
5. Chess champions
Hylton Red House chess team which consisted of brothers Callum and Dean Ford, twins Alan and Stephen Gibson, Stephen Graham and Craig Tuthill, in 1977. | se
6. Moving back to 1979
A game of chess at East Herrington Primary School Playscheme in 1979. Pictured, left to right: Martin Robson, 6; Timothy Rowley, 12; Lee Hindmarch, 9; Andrew Urquhart, 5; David Common, 6; and Adrian Cansfield, 7. | se
7. Rachael plans the next move
Rachael Douglas (7) from Oxclose Junior School was concentrating on her next move. She was competing at the Sunderland Schools Chess Competition held at Hylton Red House School in 1983. | se
8. A king size gesture from Ken
Ken Brown from High Barnes was offering free chess lessons in January 2005. | se