Step into the strategic world of “CHESS,” Dahyun’s fierce solo track eight on TWICE‘s special 10th anniversary album TEN: The Story Goes On, hitting shelves October 10.
As the group marks a decade of hits since their 2015 debut, this project feels like a love letter to their journey, blending group anthems with intimate member spotlights across 10 songs. Dahyun, the group’s resident sunshine with a sharp edge, steps up here with production that mixes crisp pop beats and building tension, turning personal growth into a game-winning manifesto.
The lyric video dropped back in June, giving fans a taste of her confident delivery, and now with teasers flooding X, it’s clear this one’s resonating as a fan-favorite for its raw upgrade from betrayal to boss-level moves.
Pulling from lines like “I ain’t playin’ checkers, I play chess,” Dahyun flips naivety into calculated power, owning the “monster you created” narrative with a swagger that echoes TWICE’s evolution from bubbly rookies to global icons. It’s got that addictive hook – “I make ’em sweat, became the best” – layered over synth drops that build like a checkmate, tying into the album’s overarching theme of reflection and forward motion. Coming off their With YOU-th era, this feels like Dahyun channeling her Michael Kors ambassador glow into something unapologetically bold, with fans already breaking down the metaphors on Reddit for how it mirrors the group’s resilience through highs and lows.
Whether it’s the empowering “better without you” refrain or the playful taunt of running out of moves, “CHESS” stands out as a reminder that strength comes from the lessons we claim.
Dive into the CHESS lyrics below and unpack its empowering vibe. Don’t miss other TEN tracks like ATM or STONE COLD for more of TWICE’s bold narrative.
| Lead Vocals | Dahyun (다현) |
| Songwriter | Natania, Miranda Glory, Blush Davis, Nikolay Mohr, prodbyoshi & DAHYUN |
| Music Composer | Natania, Miranda Glory, Blush Davis, Nikolay Mohr & prodbyoshi |
| Label | JYP Entertainment, Republic Records, IMPERIAL Music & Universal Music Group |
| Distributor | Dreamus & Virgin Music Group |
| Release Date | October 10, 2025 |
| Song Language | Korean-English |
| Copyright © | JYP Entertainment |
Lyrics of CHESS by TWICE & Dahyun (다현)
[Pre-Chorus]
Calculated, Educated
I’m The Monster You Created
So You Changed Me, I’ve Upgraded
I’ma Tell Ya
[Chorus]
I Ain’t Playin’ Checkers, I Play Chess
Became The Best And Nothing Less
Yeah, That’s What I Do, I’m Making Moves
I Never Lose And That’s On You (Yeah, That’s On You)
[Verse 2]
I Dominate The Outcome Of This Game
It’s Getting More And More Interesting
Victory Is Mine, Obviously, I
Know I’m Not The Same Person I Used To Be
[Pre-chorus]
Calculated, Educated
I’m The Monster You Created
So You Changed Me, I’ve Upgraded
I’ma Tell Ya
[Chorus]
I Ain’t Playin’ Checkers, I Play Chess (I Make ’em Sweat)
Became The Best And Nothing Less (I Make A Mess, I Must Confess)
Yeah, That’s What I Do, I’m Making Moves (I Bet Ya Knew)
I Never Lose And That’s On You (I Never Do, And That’s On You)
[Bridge]
Because Of You
I’ve Become Stronger
And I Can Go With The Flow
[Verse 3]
Uh, Better Without You, Better Now
With Or Without You, Ain’t No Doubt
You Know You Gotta
You Gotta Show Me Your Manners, Bow Down
Better Without You, Better Now
Want Me To Lose, I Don’t Know How
You Know You Gotta
You Gotta, You Gotta, Uh
[Refrain]
Let You Shoot Your Shot
Now That’s On You
Shoulda Done It Better When You Had It All Together
What Now?
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