Game guide · BJQBTX
Chess Online: a guide for your next round
Choose a round of Chess Online and settle into its rules. Checkmate the opposing king. Look at what changes after your first action. Begin with the local / basic computer mode shown on the page. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
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
Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention. Keep the objective visible.
Aim for this result
Checkmate the opposing king. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Notice how the game responds to your input.
Step by step
- 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.
How your actions work
Tap a piece and target; choose a promotion piece when needed. Use the control method described here for this activity. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.
Work through an example
Castling cannot pass through an attacked square. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Read the matching step again.
Pay attention to this rule
The computer is a small search opponent, not a rated engine. Compare the situation with the worked example. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
More answers before you play
Before I begin, what is the goal of Chess Online?
Keep this in mind: Checkmate the opposing king.
While learning, how do I control Chess Online?
Tap a piece and target; choose a promotion piece when needed.
For this browser game, what example helps explain Chess Online?
Keep this in mind: Castling cannot pass through an attacked square.
What should I watch out for in Chess Online?
The computer is a small search opponent, not a rated engine.
For a quick reminder, 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.
For a quick reminder, which play mode does Chess Online use?
Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Local / basic computer. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
Where should I start with Chess Online?
The key detail is this: Select local play or basic computer.
Do I need an account or a payment for Chess Online?
Here is the relevant explanation: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.
For my first round, how can I find Chess Online again?
The key detail is this: 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?
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.