Alex has loved chess ever since he watched the Bobby Fischer/Boris Spassky World Championship match in 1972.[1] Chess makes its appearance in at least five episodes of Family Ties
- "French Lessons" - Steven challenges Alex, insisting he will beat him this time.
- "Ready or Not" - One scene with Alex pulling a quick checkmate.
- "Lost Weekend" - Steven and Alex play, but Alex loses intentionally so he can go on a date. This scene is shown in a later flashback episode as well - "Battle of the Sexes".
- "Checkmate" - Alex plays with a visiting Russian champion.
- "4 Rms Ocn Vu" - Skippy has tickets to the NCAA Chess Semifinals and wants to invite Mallory.
- "Keaton vs. Keaton" - Nick and Jennifer are playing (with Andy helping Nick)
- "Father Time: Part 2" - Andy and Jonathan play (off camera)
- "Designing Woman " - Alex (just about) loses to Jennifer