CHESS

Overview
“CHESS” is a serious strategic-level tabletop wargame that pushes participants to manage complex cyber threats within multi-domain hybrid scenarios. It immerses players in a realistic pre-war environment, emphasizing the integration of PMESII (Political, Military, Economic, Social, Information and Infrastructure) variables into strategic decision-making within the Cyber Domain.
Developed by the NATO Modelling and Simulation Centre of Excellence, “CHESS” is a unique platform for hands-on learning in:
• Cyber Conflict Management and engagement with Cyber Threats: Participants face evolving hybrid scenarios that require real-time responses and strategy adaptations. Players engage in scenarios featuring hybrid warfare and cyber crisis response.
• Strategic Decision-Making: Strengthen critical thinking and strategy development under pressure, while the risk of war (invoking Article 4/5) increases and decreases throughout the game, compromising the stability of the countries being played.
• Cross-Domain Integration: Apply NATO doctrines to navigate the convergence of cyber and conventional warfare.
• Incorporation of PMESII Variables: Each scenario challenges players to analyze how political dynamics, economic factors, social contexts, information flows and infrastructure conditions are influenced by the Cyberspace Operations outcomes.

Key Features & Benefits 

  • High-Fidelity Scenarios: Real-world inspired scenarios featuring realistic cyber challenges in a hybrid warfare situation, enhanced by updated open-source data relevant to the countries being played.
  • Strategic Depth: Designed for senior leadership to foster expertise in cyberspace operations strategy.
  • Collaborative Learning Environment: Network with experts from political, military (national and international staff) and other strategic domains for a unique learning experience.

“CHESS” Displays 

  • NATO DEFENCE COLLEGE, Rome: Senior Course volunteer attendees played the game and provided significant contributions to the consistent development of this game at the strategic level.
  • NATO HQ, Brussels: Successfully presented during the Centers of Excellence Marketplace, drawing experts and leaders from across NATO.
  • Wargaming Initiative for NATO (WIN24), Hamburg: Featured at the WIN24, marking a milestone in NATO’s wargaming and Cyberspace Operations advancement.
  • NATO CA2X2 Forum, Rome: Successfully presented during the forum, engaging experts and leaders from across the M&S (Modelling and Simulation) and Wargaming community.
  • Cyber Conference 2025, Tallinn: Presented in Tallinn, highlighting its role as a NATO tool for training and experimentation in the strategic Cyber Domain.”

Ideal Participants 

“CHESS” is crafted for: 

  • Leadership training: Senior commanders, decision and policy makers, and cyber strategists.
  • Cybersecurity and Defense Experts: Professionals in the military and defense sectors.
  • Academic & Research Institutions: Scholars and researchers specializing in cyber defense, wargaming, and hybrid warfare.

Be Part of the Future of Cyberspace Operations 

To learn more about “CHESS” and how to purchase it, please contact: 

Lt. Col.  (OF-4) ITA Army Andrea DE SIMONE  andrea.desimone@mscoe.org

Connect with NATO’s Modelling and Simulation Centre of Excellence to deepen your expertise in the vital field of cyberspace and hybrid warfare.