What is the ruling on chess in Islam, and does the ruling change if it does not distract from performing obligatory duties or from remembering Allah during play?

Playing chess is impermissible and considered a vain preoccupation. Narrations from the Companions indicate this. Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, used to say: "Chess is the gambling of the Persians." He also said: "For one of you to hold a burning coal until it extinguishes is better for him than for him to touch it [chess pieces]." He passed by people playing chess and said: "What are these idols to which you are devoted?" Abdullah ibn Umar was asked about it and said: "It is worse than backgammon." Ibn Abbas burned a chessboard he found among an orphan's property. Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari said: "No one plays chess except a sinner." Playing chess has been forbidden by Abu Hanifa, Malik, and Ahmad. Imam Malik used to say: "There is no good in chess," considering it vain and reciting the words of Allah Almighty: "So what remains beyond truth except misguidance?" (Quran 10:32). Therefore, a Muslim must avoid playing chess and advise others to avoid it.