Consider the symbolism of the color of the pieces you choose and whether they were black of white. You may also want to consider the symbolism of the pieces you handle or move in your dream. For example, the king may represent someone who needs defending in waking life.
If you are using pawns, do you feel as if you are being manipulated in waking life? Consider also the implication of making a good or bad move in your dream and your life; if someone checkmates you, who or what is trying to restrict your movements in waking life? If, however, you are the person who checkmates, this suggests that you have your eye on your goals in waking life and have the strategy you need to succeed in achieving them. To dream of winning a chess match points to a highly analytical mind. Losing at chess indicates that you may have overstretched your abilities and need to lower your expectations. [1]
See also: Game.
Depth Psychology: This game is a reminder to use more of your good sense and take advantage of the opportunities (“openings”) coming your way. [2]
1- The game of chess originally signified the ‘war’ between good and evil. So in dreams it may still express the conflict within. It may also indicate the need for strategy in our lives.
2- Playing chess and losing indicates that we have undertaken an activity in our waking lives which cannot be successful. We have not got the wherewithal, or perhaps the knowledge, to pit ourselves against greater forces.
3- The conflict between the spiritual powers of light and darkness is highlighted. [3]
The dream may also refer to the strategy you have developed for getting what you want in your love life or career. [7]
You can expect a strenuous business period ahead, but don’t despair; you can win if you persevere and vary your tactics by using a little imagination. [8]
To dream that you lose at chess, worries from mean sources will ensue; but if you win, disagreeable influences may be surmounted. [9]
A chess match may comment that you are involved in a power play where there is a lot at stake. [10]
The outcome of this battle is determined by our awareness.
The white pieces and squares represent the light, and the black, darkness. [13]
Dreams of chess are indicative of the struggle within between the self and the shadow. It represents our primal understanding of good and evil. [14]
2. Take great care when dealing with someone. [16]
The winner in a chess game in a dream is the winner of a political or a military maneuver. Whatever steps one takes in playing chess in a dream will be reflected in the political arena. Playing chess in a dream also could mean intending a fight, but not knowing whether he will win or lose. It also could mean facing dangerous people, so one is warned in the dream to be on guard against their tricks or ploys. Playing chess in a dream also could mean vain talk or a weak fight.
If one wins in the dream, it means that he will win in wakefulness.
A chess game in a dream also means a war, a fight, booty, discovering secrets, pursuing hints, gradual movement, changing conditions, changing temper, or it could mean travels.
(See also: Backgammon, Chessboard, Chessmen) [21]
king, the: highly developed critical faculties.
knight: decisive astute personality.
queen: are setting your sights too high in the game of life; you don’t need that much.
rook: think careful y, the way others see you.
losing a game of: dissect your opponent’s thought patterns or squelch the deal.
winning: use good sense to handle approaching money.
making a, move: increase your knowledge before you act.
your opponent: notice how he thinks and act upon it.
playing: turn the difficulties ahead in your path to your favor.
others: your fortune wil depend upon results of the game. [22]