Board games like chess and checkers are played on grids where position matters more than luck.

The longer version

On a grid, every piece occupies a coordinate and every move changes the relationship between coordinates, so nothing is hidden and nothing is random. Both players see the same board, which makes these contests a test of calculation: the stronger player wins by looking further ahead, not because chance favoured them.

That is also why such games resisted being solved for so long, since the number of positions grows explosively with each move and exact analysis only became possible as computing power increased. Even now only some simplified versions are fully worked out. Games with cards or dice deliberately add chance so weaker players still win sometimes, which is a design choice rather than a flaw.

Where this entry sits

Facts here look at the rules, equipment and odd histories behind familiar sports and games, from balls and rackets to cards, boards and playing fields. Expect small details about scoring quirks, stadium design and the long story of the Olympic Games. The full list sits on the Sports and Games page, where every entry is listed in order.