Game guide · MY2171
The essentials of playing Chess Online
Make Chess Online your next activity in the game library. Checkmate the opposing king. Look at what changes after your first action. Read the objective before making your first input. Look at what changes after your first action.
Play on one device with a friend or against the basic computer opponent. Repetition and the fifty-move rule trigger an automatic draw here; there is no internet matchmaking or tournament clock.
Build familiarity through play
When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Make the next step deliberately.
What you are aiming for
Checkmate the opposing king. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Notice how the game responds to your input.
The steps to play
- Select local play or basic computer.
- Choose a piece and a legal target.
- Castling, en passant and promotion obey king-safety rules.
- Use the promotion selector before moving to the last rank.
- Undo or New game restarts play.
Getting comfortable with the controls
Tap a piece and target; choose a promotion piece when needed. Use the control method described here for this activity. Use the visible help when you are unsure of the next input.
Put the rules into context
Castling cannot pass through an attacked square. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Keep the game’s format in mind.
A mistake to avoid
The computer is a small search opponent, not a rated engine. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Answers about the rules and controls
For my first round, what is the goal of Chess Online?
For clarity: Checkmate the opposing king.
On this playing page, how do I control Chess Online?
Keep this in mind: Tap a piece and target; choose a promotion piece when needed.
Before I begin, what example helps explain Chess Online?
Keep this in mind: Castling cannot pass through an attacked square.
While reading the Guide, what should I watch out for in Chess Online?
The key detail is this: The computer is a small search opponent, not a rated engine.
While reading the Guide, what format does Chess Online offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: Play on one device with a friend or against the basic computer opponent. Repetition and the fifty-move rule trigger an automatic draw here; there is no internet matchmaking or tournament clock.
Before I begin, which play mode does Chess Online use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Local / basic computer. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
For my first round, where should I start with Chess Online?
Keep this in mind: Select local play or basic computer.
When I return, do I need an account or a payment for Chess Online?
Keep this in mind: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.
How can I find Chess Online again?
Keep this in mind: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.
For my first round, how do I report an issue with Chess Online?
The key detail is this: Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.