In a link plate for use in a power transmission chain driven to run while a side edge of the link plate is in sliding contact with a shoe surface a chain guide member, the side edge of the link plate has a pair of contact portions near opposite longitudinal ends thereof for sliding contact with the shoe surface, and a recessed central portion extending between the contact portions. The recessed central portion together with the shoe surface forms a space which is capable of collecting and holding lubricating oil when the contact portions are in sliding contact with the shoe surface. As the link plate slides on the shoe surface, the lubricating oil trapped inside the space gradually enters between the contact portions and the shoe surface to thereby form an oil film. With this oil film, friction between the link plate and the shoe surface is reduced, leading to reduction of running resistance of the power transmission chain.