A chess player is an individual who engages in the game of chess, a strategic board game played between two opponents. Each player controls an army of 16 pieces, including a king, queen, rooks, knights, bishops, and pawns. The objective is to checkmate the opponent's king, meaning the king is under threat of capture and cannot escape. Chess players can range from beginners to grandmasters, with varying levels of skill and experience. They often participate in tournaments and matches, either online or in person. Many players study tactics, openings, and endgames to improve their performance and understanding of the game.