I can show you the hadith which says it's haram, but I am looking for a justification.
Sahih Muslim
Book 26:
The Book of Poetry (Kitab Al-Sh`ir)
Chapter 2: IT IS PROHIBITED TO PLAY CHESS
Book 028, Number 5612: Buraida reported on the authority of his father that Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said: He who played chess is like one who dyed his hand with the flesh and blood of swine.