Chess prodigies are children who play chess so well that they are able to beat experienced adult players and even Masters, often at a very young age. Chess is one of the few sports where children can compete with adults on equal ground; it is thus one of the few skills in which true child prodigies exist. Expectations can be high for chess prodigies; while some become World Champions, others show no progress in adulthood.

Early chess prodigies were Paul Morphy (1837–1884) and José Raúl Capablanca (1888–1942), both of whom won matches against strong adult opponents at the age of 12; and Samuel Reshevsky (1911–1992), who was giving simultaneous exhibitions at the age of six. Morphy went on to be unofficial World Champion (before the official title existed), Capablanca became World Champion, and Reshevsky—while never attaining the title—was amongst the top few players in the world for many years.

It was more difficult for players of the "pre-computer" chess era to become a true prodigy than it is today. This is because it is necessary to play opponents of top level strength on at least a semi-frequent basis to develop these chess skills. Computer chess nowadays is at such a high level that nearly anyone that lives in an area other than a third world country has access to these programs. At the time Bobby Fischer become a teenage sensation in the 50's and 60's, he notably lived in New York City where he joined the Manhattan Chess Club, the strongest in the country.

Awonder Liang (born April 11, 2003) is an American chess player. On April 16, 2011, he became the youngest chess expert in USCF history with a rating of 2000 at the age of 8 years and 5 days.

On August 7, 2011, he became the youngest to defeat an International Master in a USCF-rated game at the age 8 years 118 days.

On November 26, 2011, he won the World Youth Chess Championship - U 08 Open in Brazil, earning the title of Fide Master.

On August 1, 2012, he became the youngest to defeat a Grandmaster in a USCF-rated game at the age 9 years 112 days.