The game of bridge is often referred to as The Best Game In The World, and it is.

But every once in a while, I stop to think about the other games in the world that I would admit are pretty good, at least. These are games like chess, which many bridge players (and some prominent ones) happen to enjoy alongside their bridge game.

Chess is enjoyed worldwide, and it carries some similarities to our game:

• It can be played with two people, but also with more.
• It can be played alone.
• It can be played online, or not.
• Rules and strategies can be argued about on message boards forever.

The two games are further similar in that they are wargames. Cards or queens, you’re still waging a mock-war against your opponent.

Most of the time, there’s no physical battle between wargames opponents, just sheer thought. Thoughts about which plays are on the board, and thoughts about which plays aren’t.

When last did you play a game of chess?

As a player of other games, it can supplement your strategy.

Speaking of chess, I’ve been stuck on it for a good three days.  I’d like to think that binge-watching some chess movies might have improved my bridge game (but maybe not my bidding).

Plus, just for aesthetics, I can get lost in the look of the board.

Here’s a peek at some of the best chess movies to get into as a bridge player.

Searching For Bobby Fischer (1993)

“Searching For Bobby Fischer” is the perfect thing to watch if the idea of movies made-for-television excites you.

Older made-for-television movies have a specific feel about them. Character-centric stories, and dialogue that makes it all feel like a glossy magazine’s human interest tale of the week. That’s why we enjoy them.

Searching For Bobby Fischer tells the true story of a young chess prodigy through the eyes of his father. While dad knows nothing of chess, he soon watches his son flourish at the table, beating one opponent after the next.

It’s a great story, and it’s even better knowing it’s based on some truth.

Pawn Sacrifice (2014)     

Pawn Sacrifice centers around one of the largest chess games ever played.

It’s another movie that features famous chess player Bobby Fischer. This time, he’s played by none other than Spider-Man actor Tobey Maguire.

At first, I was in two minds about the choice. He was okay in Spider-Man, he was ruthless with a card deck in Molly’s Game, but he was also terrible in Seabiscuit.

Pawn Sacrifice was great.

Let’s blend chess, blackmail, and fear.

That’s a good mix for a plot, and it works.

It makes competition look exciting.

Queen Of Katwe (2016)

Queen Of Katwe is another chess-related true story. This time, it tells the story of young chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, born and taught in Uganda.

I can’t help but resonate with this story.

While I was born on a more southern part of it, we’re part of the same continent. We both share a deep passion for table games, and we are both African. We have both faced many real-life challenges (and overcome many others) to have the privilege of sitting down and playing a game.

Love chess? Just love sports movies in general? Sat through Field Of Dreams once?

You’ll enjoy Queen Of Katwe.

Today, Phiona acts as a public speaker, among other things. See Phiona’s official website here: http://www.queenofkatwe.com/phiona-mutesi/