How does Islam look at games like backgammon, playing cards and chess?
A51. Playing backgammon and cards is not allowed in Islam. They are part of prohibited recreation. As for chess the majority of scholars believe it to be prohibited while the Shafii jurists say it is prohibited if it causes delay in establishing prayers at the appointed times or if it is played for certain compensation. If this is not the case then it is disliked.
