Play Chess Online — Free Board Game
Chess is the ultimate game of strategy: marshal your pieces, control the board, and checkmate your opponent's king. Play Chess free against the computer with three difficulty levels — beginner to tough — right in your browser.
How to Play Chess
Each side commands sixteen pieces. White moves first, then players alternate, each trying to trap the enemy king in checkmate.
How the pieces move
- Pawns move forward and capture diagonally; on their first move they may advance two squares.
- Knights leap in an L-shape; bishops move diagonally; rooks move in straight lines; the queen moves any direction.
- The king moves one square in any direction and must never be left in check.
- Special moves: castling, en passant, and promoting a pawn that reaches the far rank.
Winning
Checkmate the king — attack it so it has no legal escape — to win. A player with no legal move who isn't in check is stalemated, which is a draw.
Strategy & Tips
- Control the centre with your pawns and pieces from the very first moves.
- Develop your knights and bishops early; don't move the same piece twice in the opening.
- Castle early to tuck your king into safety.
- Don't bring your queen out too soon — it can be chased around and lose you tempo.
- Ask what your opponent threatens before making each move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this Chess have difficulty levels?
Yes — three levels, from a gentle beginner opponent to a tougher challenge. Choose from the toolbar.
What is castling?
A special move where the king and a rook move together to safeguard the king, allowed if neither has moved and the path is clear and safe.
What is the difference between checkmate and stalemate?
Checkmate wins the game — the king is in check with no escape. Stalemate is a draw — a player has no legal move but isn't in check.
Is Chess free to play?
Yes — free, with no sign-up or download, against the computer.
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