This is the 18274th most frequent Russian word.
шахматами
The Russian word "шахматами" means "chess" in the instrumental case, typically translated as "with chess" or "by chess" in English.
The word 'шахматами' is the instrumental case of 'шахматы', used here to indicate in what activity the speaker is passionate.
Я увлекаюсь шахматами.
I am passionate about chess.
In this sentence, 'шахматами' appears indicating the competition's subject.
Он выиграл соревнование по шахматам.
He won the chess competition.
Here, 'шахматами' signifies the game being played by the speaker and their friends.