Nintendo Entertainment System · Board, Card & Party
The Chessmaster
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1990 (originally 1989) |
| Genre | Board, Card & Party |
| Developer | The Software Toolworks |
| Publisher | HiTech Software |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 1 |
Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990, The Chessmaster is a board, card or party game developed by The Software Toolworks and published by HiTech Software. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1989.
It landed about 5 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1990 include Final Fantasy III, Dr. Mario and Mega Man 3. Among the 22 NES board, card & party games in our database, it ranks #16 by legacy score.
The Software Toolworks also made Orb-3D and Miracle Piano Teaching System for the NES.
The Chessmaster supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
Pick it if…
- you want to think and plan
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
- you have a friend to play against
- you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you want action or story rather than tabletop-style play
What playing The Chessmaster is like
Board, card, quiz and party games bring tabletop classics and social games to the screen, from chess and mahjong to trivia and casino games.
Tip for newcomers: These games are usually best with company; check how many players are supported before game night.
The Chessmaster cheats & codes
2 codes on file (Emulator memory codes). Here are a few Emulator memory codes codes to start with:
| Game Allows Any Move | 0642:00 |
|---|---|
| Move Pieces Anywhere | AAVKNLTI
SZNGULSA
SZNKELSA |
The Chessmaster walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for The Chessmaster.
If you like The Chessmaster, the Matrix also picks…
Monopoly Deep cut
Vegas Dream Deep cut
Hollywood Squares Deep cut
Momotaro Dentetsu Deep cut
Double Dare Deep cut
Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
The Chessmaster FAQ
When did The Chessmaster come out on the NES?
The Chessmaster was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990; the original game dates back to 1989.
Who made The Chessmaster?
It was developed by The Software Toolworks and published by HiTech Software.
Is The Chessmaster multiplayer?
Yes. The Chessmaster supports up to 2 players.
How long does The Chessmaster take to play?
As a board, card or party game, The Chessmaster typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.