Chess

Chess in Code Geass is a popular game among high class Britannians. It is also Lelouch's favourite game.

Chess in Code Geass
Chess seems to play an important role in Britannian nobility as a way of developing and demonstrating tactical skill. Chess was rarely shown in the series, only appearing in order to show Lelouch's considerable intellect or, later, to show that Schneizel's strategic prowess was equal to that of Lelouch's. Chess is also used as a form of gambling, where people bet who will win the chess match, an area Lelouch is a master of and has an infamous reputation in. Depending on the situation Lelouch would alternate between offering his services as an aide for other chess players to taking part in actual games himself. Lelouch himself is a masterful player, having previously lost only to Mao, whose Geass allowed him to read and forestalled Lelouch's moves, and Schneizel, who possess considerable talent at strategy and subtle manipulation. Lelouch preferred an aggressive style, counting on surprise and complete shock on the part of his enemies, usually by aggressive use of his king, a move that usually is a very poor choice in the actual game. This often led him to quote "If the king does not lead, how can he expect his subordinates to follow," effectively demonstrating his own feelings toward command. This was often used as a motif and comedic foil referencing the king's ability for limited movement, whilst allowing a comment on Lelouch's poor physical ability. Lelouch was also known to cut class during school days in order to play chess to supplement his income and as an attempt to fight his considerable boredom as he sought a "more challenging opponent."

Chess is also an important symbol throughout Code Geass. Lelouch thinks of all his actions as Zero, both on and off the battlefield, as moves on a Chessboard. His helmet is similar in appearance to the Black King piece shown in Code Geass chessboards, which is also why his terrorist organization is called the Black Knights. Alternately, the Britannian military uses a white color scheme, and Lelouch's rival Suzaku Kururugi pilots the Knightmare Frame, Lancelot, named after a famous Arthurian Knight. The knight is a highly valuable piece in chess, and since Suzaku fights on the Britannian side, it refers to how Lelouch sees his friend as his greatest foe. Furthermore, Lelouch as Zero would sometimes use certain terms that allude to chess pieces when addressing his subordinates. For example, during the Skirmish in Shinjuku Ghetto, Lelouch uses the terms Q1 and P7 (meaning queen and pawn) to refer to Kallen and Tamaki respectively.

For more information including rules and history, see the Wikipedia article of the actual game of Chess

List of Known Chess Matches in the Code Geass Anime

 * Lelouch's employer (Black) vs Unknown Nobleman (White). Result: Inconclusive (Replaced by Lelouch). Appearance: Episode 1 Season 1
 * Lelouch (Black) vs Unnamed Nobleman (White). Replaced and Continued. Result: Victory for Lelouch. Appearance: Episode 1 Season 1
 * Lelouch (Black) vs Mao (White). Result: Victory for Mao. Appearance: Episode 14 Season 1
 * Lelouch (Black) vs Mao (White). Result: Inconclusive (Game Incomplete). Appearance: Episode 16 Season 1
 * Lelouch (White) vs "The Black King" (Black). Result: Victory for Lelouch. Appearance: Episode 1 Season 2
 * Lelouch (Black) vs Schneizel (White). Result: Inconclusive (Game Incomplete), interrupted by Nina Einstein. Appearance: Episode 9 Season 2
 * Julius (Black) vs Shin (White). Result: Inconclusive (Charles' Geass goes Unstable). Appearance: Episode 3 Akito the Exiled

List of Known Chess Players
Holy Britannian Empire Euro Britannia Chinese Federation United Federation of Nations
 * Lelouch Lamperouge/Lelouch vi Britannia
 * Clovis la Britannia
 * Schneizel el Britannia
 * Lelouch's employer
 * Unnamed Noble
 * The Black King
 * Julius Kingsley
 * Shin Hyuga Shaing
 * Mao
 * Lelouch Lamprouge/Lelouch vi Britannia (As Zero)

Trivia

 * In Season 1 episode 1, they mention that Lelouch's very first move was to move his king. This is not a possible move in chess, however if we presume they mean moving the king at the first opportunity, then we can say Lelouch moved his king on move 2. This opening (1.e4 2.Ke2) is known as the 'bongcloud' and is one of the most respected openings in modern chess theory.
 * In Season 2 episode 9, Schneizel intentionally uses his king to checkmate himself. This is actually illegal in chess and making such a move would result in his disqualification.