Playing cards and chess is not permissible

Question: Is it permissible to play cards—specifically Belot? And what is the ruling on playing chess, given that they do not distract one from prayer?

Answer: These two games and anything similar to them are not permissible; because they are among the instruments of amusement, and because they involve turning away from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer, and wasting time in what is not right, and because they may lead to enmity and hostility. This is if the game does not involve any stake.
As for if there is a financial stake involved, then the prohibition becomes more severe; because in that case it becomes one of the types of gambling, whose prohibition is certain and about which there is no disagreement. And success is from Allah.