Chess

Play vs computer or a friend.

Play against
Computer
You play

    Click a piece and then a square, or drag it. Arrow keys and Enter work too.

    Your game in progress is saved on this device.

    Runs in your browser. Nothing uploaded.

    How to play chess here

    1. Choose the computer and a level, or A friend to take turns on one screen. Against the computer, pick White, Black or Random.
    2. Click a piece to see where it can go, then click the square, or drag the piece there. A pawn reaching the last rank lets you pick a queen, rook, bishop or knight.
    3. Checkmate, stalemate and the other draw rules are detected for you. Undo takes back a move, Copy PGN saves the game for analysis elsewhere.

    Tips for beginners

    • Control the center. Moving your e and d pawns early gives your pieces room and fights for the middle squares.
    • Develop your pieces. Bring out knights and bishops before moving the same piece twice or bringing out the queen.
    • Castle early. Castling tucks your king away and connects your rooks.
    • Check every move for threats. Before you move, look at what your opponent’s last move attacks, and whether your move leaves a piece undefended.

    Piece values

    A rough guide to trades: pawn 1, knight 3, bishop 3, rook 5, queen 9. The number next to a player’s captured pieces shows how far ahead they are in material.