Chess Around the World: How Is It Taught and Lived in Different Cultures?

Hello everyone!

Chess is a universal language, but the way it is taught, played, and celebrated can vary greatly from one culture to another. In some countries, chess is introduced in schools at an early age; in others, it thrives in bustling parks, cozy cafes, or family gatherings.

I'm curious:

How is chess taught in your country or community?

Are there unique customs, tournaments, or traditions related to chess where you live?

Have you experienced any cultural differences when playing against opponents from other parts of the world?

Feel free to share stories, photos, or anything that shows how chess is more than just a game — it's a living, breathing part of different societies.

Let’s discover the amazing diversity of the chess world together!

I'm from the Czech Republic, and here chess has a long and rich tradition, deeply tied to our cultural and intellectual life. Many people don't know this, but Prague was once a major center for chess in Europe, especially in the early 20th century. Names like Oldřich Duras and Karel Hromádka still resonate with our chess community today.

Chess is taught mostly through local clubs rather than schools, although some schools do offer optional chess classes. In many small towns, the local chess club is a real hub for social life — it’s not just about playing games, but also about making friends, sharing a beer, and discussing life.

A very Czech thing is our passion for chess puzzles. Many of our newspapers still publish weekly puzzles, and solving them is a tradition, especially for older generations.

If you ever visit Prague, you might find old men playing slow, thoughtful games in the parks, often without clocks — just pure love for the game.

Hello from Hungary!

For us, chess is not just a hobby — it’s part of our national identity. We are incredibly proud of our chess legends like Judit Polgar, the greatest female player of all time, and the old masters like László Szabó and Andor Lilienthal. Every Hungarian chess player grows up hearing their stories, dreaming to follow in their footsteps.

Here, chess is often taught at a very young age, especially in Budapest. Some elementary schools have official chess programs, and we even have "Chess Kindergarten" initiatives where kids learn tactics and strategy alongside basic math and reading skills.

But what I love most is how chess connects generations. It's very common to see a grandfather and his grandchild playing a fierce blitz match at home or in a small town square. For us, chess is a bridge between past and present, a way to keep the mind sharp and the spirit young.

Even today, whenever I visit the cafés of Budapest, there’s always a corner where two old players are locked in a silent, timeless battle. It's magical.