Gambling concerns

The Taliban government has officially banned chess in Afghanistan, citing concerns that the game is associated with gambling and may be inconsistent with Islamic law. The decision was confirmed by Atal Mashwani, spokesman for the Taliban's sports directorate, who stated that chess is "considered a means of gambling" under sharia law. The prohibition will remain in effect until a religious review is conducted to assess the game’s compatibility with Islamic principles, according to a report by the BBC.

Master Class Vol. 18: Max Euwe

Experts examine the games of Max Euwe. Let them show you which openings Euwe chose to play, where his strength in middlegames were, which tactical abilities he had or how he outplayed his opponents in the endgame.
Max Euwe became the fifth World Chess Champion after beating Alexander Alekhine in the 1935 World Championship match. A maths teacher by profession, Euwe remained an amateur throughout his life, but was still the best chess player in the Netherlands, and one of the world's best players. Euwe holds the record for the most Dutch national championships, with twelve. After winning the World Championship, Euwe was also the world's best player for a while. He lost the title again in 1937 in the rematch against Alexander Alekhine.
Free video sample: Openings

The Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has taken further steps by dissolving the Afghanistan Chess Federation, effectively halting all chess-related activities. The Ministry labelled the game "haram" (forbidden), reflecting its strict interpretation of religious doctrine. According to Khaama Press, the Ministry argued that chess contravenes Islamic law, aligning the ban with broader efforts to limit activities perceived as morally or religiously objectionable.

Since regaining power in August 2021, the Taliban has imposed increasingly stringent restrictions on cultural and recreational pursuits, including music, cinema, and certain sports. In 2024, the authorities banned mixed martial arts (MMA), claiming it was excessively violent and inconsistent with sharia law. Speaking to AFP news agency, Mashwani emphasised that chess would remain prohibited "until these considerations are addressed" (BBC).

However, there are conflicting accounts regarding the nature of the ban. Grandmaster Ian Rogers cited an unnamed official from the Afghanistan Chess Federation who claimed that chess has not been fully outlawed but is under temporary suspension while religious and administrative reviews are conducted. The official noted that the federation has been largely inactive for two years, struggling with internal disputes and mismanagement (GM Ian Rogers).

Chess has seen a resurgence in recent years, with players seeking to revive the sport despite ongoing challenges. According to Khaama Press, several chess enthusiasts recently approached the Ministry of Sports for financial support but were informed of the ban. This development has further complicated efforts to maintain chess as a recreational activity in Afghanistan, where it once held significant cultural value.

The ban on chess is part of a broader strategy by the Taliban to enforce its austere interpretation of Islamic law across Afghan society. Critics argue that such measures undermine intellectual and cultural activities and isolate the country from the international community. Human rights organisations warn that the policy could further restrict personal freedoms and discourage social interaction, particularly among young people.

It remains unclear whether international pressure or local advocacy might prompt a reassessment of the decision. For now, the future of chess - like other recreational activities in Afghanistan - is in limbo, with no indication of when, or if, the ban might be lifted.

Master Class Vol.6: Anatoly Karpov

On this DVD a team of experts looks closely at the secrets of Karpov's games. In more than 7 hours of video, the authors examine four essential aspects of Karpov's superb play.