Chess tables are objects used in The Sims, The Sims 2, The Sims 3, The Sims Medieval, and The Sims 4 to raise the logic skill by playing chess. Chess tables require two chairs on both ends in order for them to be used. Sims can play alone or with a partner, and will socialize when doing the latter. It also provides fun, and since two Sims can play, it can fulfill social needs as well. Children can play, and in The Sims 2, The Sims 3 and The Sims 4, will gain logic skill by playing. In The Sims 2: FreeTime, playing chess builds enthusiasm for the games hobby.
The Sims
Originally, The Sims had one chess table, the Chuck Matewell Chess Set. Hot Date added the "King Head" Outdoor Chess Table. While technically not chess, Makin' Magic introduced the Checker Set Too, which functions similarly to chess. Children cannot play chess.
According to the 100th day bonus, Sims play a real game of chess. The images shown to the player are different stages of a real chess match.
Chuck Matewell Chess Set
| Chuck Matewell Chess Set | |
|---|---|
| |
| An exact replica of the competition chess set used by Chuck Matewell to beat the M.A.X. "Deep Trouble" computer, this top quality chess set lets Sims have fun while they build their logic skills. Although a timeless two-player game, Matewell says, "I spent years playing chess alone, and look where it got me." | |
| Game | The Sims |
| Buyability | Buy mode |
| Price in game | §500 |
| Object type(s) | Fun |
| Game | |
| Skill | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Fun: 2
+ Logic
"King Head" Outdoor Chess Table
| "King Head" Outdoor Chess Table | |
|---|---|
| |
| Into mental materialism AND people watching? Your only logical move is a King Head chess table. Regulation timer included for the obsessed professional. Polished, granite surface is expectorant and bird dropping resistant. Reinforced concrete guaranteed not to chip during attacks by graceless losers and uncultured vandals. | |
| Game | The Sims: Hot Date |
| Buyability | Buy mode |
| Price in game | §999 |
| Object type(s) | Fun |
| Skill | |
| Game | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Fun: 2
Room: 1
+ Logic
Checker Set Too
| Checker Set Too | |
|---|---|
| |
| This elaborate, and complex game of historical import, allows the player to reproduce on the microscopic level any two-sided struggle of socio-political import throughout the ages. A player must choose light or dark, a decision which may seem simple, as each side has the same amount of pieces and the same ability to move a piece to the right or the left, but the philosophical implications of these choices may very well reverberate throughout the length of the entire game, or even for all time. | |
| Game | The Sims: Makin' Magic |
| Buyability | Buy mode |
| Price in game | §399 |
| Object type(s) | Fun |
| Game | |
| Skill | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Fun: 2
+ Logic
The Sims 2
There are two chess tables in The Sims 2: the King For a Day Outdoor Chess Table and the Grand Parlour Chess Table. Both can be found in the "Hobbies > Knowledge" section of buy mode, and can be placed on both residential and community lots. Unlike The Sims, chess pieces are now separate from the chess table itself, and players can now watch their game in greater detail. While Sims generally follow the normal rules of chess, it has been noted that they may continue playing even after the king has been captured, which would normally result in a "checkmate."
Sims with less than two nice points may attempt to cheat if they are playing with another Sim. The cheating Sim will distract their opponent and then attempt to rearrange the chess pieces. If they are caught, however, the Sim who caught the cheater will lose relationship points with them.
Like in The Sims, the chess table can be used to improve the logic skill. If FreeTime is installed, playing chess raises enthusiasm for the games hobby.
When children play chess at these tables, they will perch on a stack of phone books, as they can't reach the table due to their height.
A minor graphical glitch may occur after a Sim stops playing. If the Sim stops at the wrong moment, his or her left arm may become stuck in a half-raised position. This does not affect gameplay, it just looks strange. It can be corrected by having the Sim play again, waiting until the left arm is lowered, then having the Sim stop playing.
King for a Day Outdoor Chess Table
| King for a Day Outdoor Chess Table | |
|---|---|
| |
| This outdoor chess table is fit for a king or a queen. An iron base and stain-resistant cement lend stability while the marble board offers players a smooth, elegant playing surface. It's the logical choice for outdoor fun! | |
| Game | The Sims 2 |
| Buyability | Buy mode |
| Price in game | §399 |
| Object type(s) | Fun |
| Game | |
| Skill | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Fun: 7
+ Logic
Grand Parlour Chess Table
| Grand Parlour Chess Table | |
|---|---|
| |
| One of the oldest and most distinguished parlour games, chess has existed in many forms for over a thousand years. What better way to show true intellectual fortitude than to dedicate an entire table to the sole pupose [sic] of the pursuit of logic. Play in the parlour with another Sim, or alone (while attempting to maintain two completely independent strategies at the same time). | |
| Game | The Sims 2 |
| Buyability | Buy mode |
| Price in game | §500 |
| Object type(s) | Fun |
| Game | |
| Skill | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Fun: 7
+ Logic
The Sims 2 (console)
There are three chess tables in The Sims 2 (console): the Post-Staunton "Strugatsky" Chess Set, Psychonautica's Cerebro-Chess and the Prof. Feather's Chicken Checkers. They can be found under the "Skill" tab in the Buy Catalog.
Like in The Sims, the chess table can be used to improve the logic skill. They can also be used to improve the mechanical skill and fun by playing paper football, but they must be playing against another Sim. The Prof. Feather's Chicken Checkers does not have the option to play paper football, but it does have an exclusive feature that allows the player to challenge Prof. Feather to win a golden egg.
Post-Staunton "Strugatsky" Chess Set
| Post-Staunton "Strugatsky" Chess Set | |
|---|---|
| |
| In the Victorian era, the "machined" Staunton style was adopted as standard to avoid arguments and duels. Uniformity meant lives saved. Firing all those chess craftsmen made it way cheaper too. Was it the right move? Are we all just pawns in a larger game? Is life one big joke? Best ask a Russian... | |
| Game | The Sims 2 (console) |
| Buyability | Buy Catalog |
| Price in game | §400 |
| Object type(s) | Game |
| Skills | |
| Size | 1x1 |
+ Logic
+ Mechanical
Note:
- Has the option to 'Play Paper Football' which improves Mechanical and gains fun only if the player is playing against another Sim. It doesn't improve anything at all if playing alone.
- This is one of the slowest skill building objects for Logic in the game.
Psychonautica's Cerebro-Chess
| Psychonautica's Cerebro-Chess | |
|---|---|
| |
| Forcibly rejecting the soft bigotry of muscular-skeletalism, Psychonautica's Cerebro-Chess provides all species with the ability to play this most noble of games. Now available with a full range of chess variants including Shogi, Xianggi and Protozoan | |
| Game | The Sims 2 (console) |
| Buyability | Buy Catalog |
| Price in game | §1,200 |
| Object type(s) | Game |
| Skills | |
| Size | 1x1 |
+ Logic
+ Mechanical
Note:
- Has the same functions as the Post-Staunton "Strugatsky" Chess Set
- This is one of the fastest skill building objects for Logic in the game.
- 10,900 Aspiration points is needed to unlock.
Prof. Feather's Chicken Checkers
| Prof. Feather's Chicken Checkers | |
|---|---|
| |
| Her colleagues call her brilliant. Roosters she's roosted with complain she out crows them in the morning. What everyone agrees upon is that Professor Feathers plays a MEAN game of checkers and isn't afraid to strut her stuff on the board. Prepare for catastrophic defeat by fowl! | |
| Game | The Sims 2 (console) |
| Buyability | Buy Catalog |
| Price in game | §5,500 |
| Object type(s) |  Fun 9
|
| Game | |
| Skills | |
| Size | 2x1 |
+ Logic
Note:
- Has the option to 'Practice' which functions the same way as the other chess tables.
- Has the option to 'Play', which challenges Prof. Feathers to a game of checkers and does not improve logic. A golden egg will be awarded if the player wins, which can only be used as an ingredient for food recipes. The chances of winning is increased depending on the player's logic skill.
- Despite the object claiming to gain fun, it does not. However, this does function properly in The Sims 2: Pets (console).
- Has the option to 'Set Alarm' which is supposed to make Prof. Feathers crow in the morning, but doesn't seem to do anything.
- This is one of the slowest skill building objects for Logic in the game.
- 12,100 Aspiration points is needed to unlock.
The Sims Castaway Stories
"Ultimate Intellect" Chess Table in The Sims Castaway Stories is similar to chess tables in The Sims 2. It raises the logic skill, and can be found in the fun section of the barter mode.
"Ultimate Intellect" Chess Table
| "Ultimate Intellect" Chess Table | |
|---|---|
| |
| There used to be a time when the lowly chess club member was mocked by the uneducated and physically intimidating. Ultimate Intellect says, "No more!" This sleek and egocentrically crafted chess table will put all jocks and bullies to shame. Play on, chess masters, play on! | |
| Game | The Sims Castaway Stories |
| Buyability | Barter mode |
| Price in game | 500 resources |
| Object type(s) | Fun |
| Game | |
| Skill | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Fun: 7
+ Logic
The Sims 3
Two chess tables were included in The Sims 3, with some expansion packs offering additional tables. Sims can use chess tables to compete in chess tournaments with other Sims in the neighborhood. Unlike The Sims 2, chess in The Sims 3 is not dynamic, so when a Sim makes their move, the pieces are all different.
With the activity comes a hidden chess skill, which helps a Sim win the game. The Higher the skill, the better odds are of winning.
If a Sim dies, another Sim can play chess with the Grim Reaper for that Sim's life. If the Sim wins, the Grim Reaper will resurrect the Sim that died.
If a Sim loses a game, they may angrily knock the pieces off the table. Since the pieces do not have models whilst on the ground, they will simply disappear.
In The Sims 3, to attain grand master in the logic skill challenges, the Sim needs to reach Rank 5 in the chess circuit.
Choosing "Play Chess With…" and selecting a zombie,[TS3:SN] is one of very few ways in which a Sim can successfully start a two-way interaction with an NPC zombie.
Player Sims can participate in chess ranked tournaments where they try to win chess matches against many NPCs to climb their way up the ranking list.
Outdoor Chess Table
| Outdoor Chess Table | |
|---|---|
| |
| Challenge your fellow Sim to a Duel... in chess! | |
| Game | The Sims 3, The Sims 3 (console), The Sims 3 (Wii), The Sims 3 (Nintendo 3DS), The Sims 3 (Nintendo DS) |
| Buyability | Buy Mode |
| Price in game | §350 |
| Object type(s) | Fun (4) |
| Skill | |
| Game | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Occasionally found in parks.
Epic 10th Anniversary Chess Set
| Epic 10th Anniversary Chess Set | |
|---|---|
| |
| Ancient and timeless, we're proud to present the Epic 10th Anniversary Chess Set for those who enjoy a patient battle of logic and mental fortitude. Fight for your opponent's king and look smarter than a checkers player. Just write us a check, mate! | |
| Game | The Sims 3, The Sims 3 (console), The Sims 3 (Wii), The Sims 3 (Nintendo 3DS), The Sims 3 (Nintendo DS), The Sims 3: Pets (Nintendo 3DS) |
| Buyability | Buy Mode |
| Price in game | §450 |
| Object type(s) | Fun (4) |
| Skill | |
| Game | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Grandmaster Chess Set
| Grandmaster Chess Set | |
|---|---|
| |
| You'll spend hours considering your next move with this tournament quality Grandmaster Chess Set. Even if you're not a contender on the chess circuit, you can still be grandmaster of your own house. | |
| Game | The Sims 3: Town Life Stuff |
| Buyability | Buy mode |
| Price in game | §550 |
| Object type(s) | Fun (5) |
| Skill | |
| Game | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Antique Chess Table
| Antique Chess Table | |
|---|---|
| |
| A game as ancient and intricate as chess deserves a platform with its own rich complexity. Play a game on top of this meticulously hand-carved table, and you'll understand what those tiny warriors are fighting for. Give your chess pieces a home that gives worth to your pawn's sacrifice, justifies your bishop's gambit, and gives a kingdom to your king. | |
| Game | The Sims 3: Supernatural |
| Buyability | Buy mode |
| Price in game | §520 |
| Object type(s) | Fun (4) |
| Skill | |
| Game | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Azad's Holo-Chess Table by Korben Computing
| Azad's Holo-Chess Table by Korben Computing | |
|---|---|
| |
| Don't let the extra side boards intimate you; they're just for show. Holo-chess offers all the fun of the normal game, but you'll never lose the pieces! | |
| Game | The Sims 3: Into the Future |
| Buyability | Buy mode |
| Price in game | §525 |
| Object type(s) | Fun (4) |
| Skill | |
| Game | |
| Environment (1) | |
| Size | 2x1 |
Corsair Table
| Corsair Table | |
|---|---|
| |
| Master the game of chess on this magnificent piece forged by the sea god himself. | |
| Game | The Sims 3 Store |
| Buyability | §425 |
| Object type(s) | Fun (4) |
| Skill | |
| Game | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Available for 32 SimPoints, or included with the world Barnacle Bay.
King of the Park Chess Table
| King of the Park Chess Table | |
|---|---|
| |
| Take your foes down in style with this classic looking table. Robust construction will guarantee this chess table holds up to even the most intense matches. | |
| Game | The Sims 3 Store |
| Buyability | Buy mode |
| Price in game | §425 |
| Object type(s) | Fun (4) |
| Skill | |
| Game | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Glass Chess Table
| Glass Chess Table | |
|---|---|
| |
| Game | The Sims 3 Store |
| Buyability | Crafted |
| Object type(s) | Fun |
| Skill | |
| Game | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Note: This chess table can be created by Sims that reach level 7 of the artisan skill, by using the Artisan's Glassblowing and Jewelry Making Station in the Prism Art Studio Store set for 1,900 SimPoints.
It is also in Buydebug but requires the same Store set to access.
Others
| Anima****tion [sic] Movie Tool | |
|---|---|
| |
| Game | The Sims 3 |
| Buyability | No |
| Price in game | §0 |
| Size | 1x1 |
What seems to be a tool used during the game's development, is shaped like the Epic 10th Anniversary Chess Set but has no pieces on it. Sims cannot play chess on this chess table, and its available choices are:
- "Test Interaction": The Sim does these idles in order: A shout, a still pose where the Sim flex their overarm muscles, an evil laugh, and the animation used for bladder failure (but does not actually make the Sim's bladder fail).
- "Wait 30": Has no easily apparent effect.
The asterisks are likely due to the developers wanting it to appear higher up in the tables in Buy Mode while they were working on them, and are very likely not intended to be censored text.
The Sims Medieval
In The Sims Medieval, chess tables provide experience and positive buffs.
Originally known as shatranj, chess has evolved into an intriguing sport enjoyed by many. Playing chess is a great way to stimulate the mind and have a little fun! Just add a couple of chairs, relax, and enjoy!
Formal Wooden Shatranj Table
| Formal Wooden Shatranj Table | |
|---|---|
| |
| Game | The Sims Medieval |
| Buyability | Furnish mode |
| Price in game | §320 |
| Object type(s) | Game |
| Size | 1x1 |
Environment: 1
Battle Hymn Chess Table
| Battle Hymn Chess Table | |
|---|---|
| |
| Game | The Sims Medieval |
| Buyability | Furnish mode |
| Price in game | §325 |
| Object type(s) | Game |
| Size | 1x1 |
Environment: 1
The Tribunal Skirmish Simulator
| The Tribunal Skirmish Simulator | |
|---|---|
| |
| Game | The Sims Medieval: Pirates & Nobles |
| Buyability | Furnish mode |
| Price in game | §615 |
| Object type(s) | Game |
| Size | 1x1 |
Environment: 3
The Sims 4
Chess tables function similarly to previous games. Playing chess builds the mental skill in children and the logic skill in older Sims. Like The Sims 3, chess is not dynamic. Sims can also knock pieces off the table.
The Chessmaster
| The Chessmaster | |
|---|---|
| |
| Nothing shows off your mind for strategy like the Chessmaster indoor/outdoor chess table. Complete with hand-carved, dramatically styled stone pieces, this 27" table shows you're up for a challenge anytime, from anyone. Store the pieces in the concealed drawer if you'd rather just drink your coffee. | |
| Game | The Sims 4 |
| Buyability | Build mode |
| Price in game | §450 |
| Object type(s) | Fun |
| Skill | |
| Game | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Fun: 5
+ Logic Skill
Chess under the Stars Patio Table
| Chess under the Stars Patio Table | |
|---|---|
| |
| Fresh air is the secret to ferocious focus, so we made it easy to take your chess game outside. Come sit under the stars, play with your kings and knights, and dream of the battles you‘ll win time and again. | |
| Game | The Sims 4 |
| Buyability | Build mode |
| Price in game | §570 |
| Object type(s) | Fun |
| Skill | |
| Game | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Fun: 5
+ Logic Skill
Grand Plans Chess Table
| Grand Plans Chess Table | |
|---|---|
| |
| This elegant, hand-carved pedestal table features an inset stone playing surface, complete with matching chess pieces. Locate some chairs and a worthy opponent, and enjoy hour after hour at intellectual play. Or, just leave it about and look smarter. | |
| Game | The Sims 4 |
| Buyability | Build mode |
| Price in game | §1,000 |
| Object type(s) | Fun |
| Skill | |
| Game | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Fun: 5
Environment: 5
+ Logic Skill
Hand Carved Chess Table
| Hand Carved Chess Table | |
|---|---|
| |
| This chess table was made 100% out of fresh wood. Have fun and build logic, knowing that it is completely organic. No animals were harmed to create this fine piece! | |
| Game | The Sims 4: Outdoor Retreat |
| Buyability | Build mode |
| Price in game | §635 |
| Object type(s) | Fun |
| Skill | |
| Game | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Unlocked by completing a Gold tier Weenie Roast.
Fun: 5
+ Logic Skill
Focusing Décor: 2
Battle of Wits
| Battle of Wits | |
|---|---|
| |
| Everyone knows there is only one way to solve a dispute, and that is to engage in a battle to the... I mean a friendly game of Chess! | |
| Game | The Sims 4: City Living |
| Buyability | Build mode |
| Price in game | §750 |
| Object type(s) | Fun |
| Skill | |
| Game | |
| Size | 1x1 |
Fun: 5
+ Logic Skill