Playing chess with someone

[Bushwhacker]

May "playing chess with someane" mean something like "playing a cat-and-mouse game"?

In a story I've read, a man befriends another one who turns to be his wife's lover. He "plays chess" with this man, hiding his identity in order to get information.

So, in this context, what is the meaning of "playing chess"? It doesn't seem to make sense the literal meaning of playing the game on a board with pieces.

Thanks

[Anglika]

I think we need more of the text to be sure. As you give it, it would seem exactly what it says - playing chess in order to ingratiate himself.

[Bushwhacker]

I think we need more of the text to be sure. As you give it, it would seem exactly what it says - playing chess in order to ingratiate himself.

Thank You very much. Indeed, it's possible they simply play chess; while doing that it seems it makes sense he can get information, after all. Sometimes, the fact not being British makes one to be suspicious of facing idioms every second.

Thank You again