Articulated chain with reduced friction strap backs

An articulated chain having alternating inner and outer chain links connected by hinge, having a running direction, each inner link comprising a link plate and each outer link comprising two link plates and two hinge pins interconnecting, each hinge pin rotationally fixed in an opening of the associated outer link plates and extending through an opening of the associated inner link to form a chain hinge, the links having plate backs for contact with a tensioning or guide rail. The link plate back comprises a leading area viewed in the running direction and an adjoining trailing area, the leading area extending substantially parallel to a plane projected between center lines of pin openings and hinge openings, respectively, and the trailing area extending from a part of the link plates at an angle to the plane projected between the center lines, the vertex of the angle pointing in the running direction.