THE PLAYBOOK · W3CHACK
How to play Chess Online
Bring your attention to one round of Chess Online. Checkmate the opposing king. Use the example below to understand a decision. Begin with the local / basic computer mode shown on the page. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
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.
Focus on one rule
Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Your goal
Checkmate the opposing king. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. The example below illustrates a decision.
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.
Controls
Tap a piece and target; choose a promotion piece when needed. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.
A useful example
Castling cannot pass through an attacked square. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Keep the controls nearby.
Watch out for this
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.
Common questions
As a new player, what is the goal of Chess Online?
For clarity: Checkmate the opposing king.
For a quick reminder, how do I control Chess Online?
The key detail is this: Tap a piece and target; choose a promotion piece when needed.
When I return, what example helps explain Chess Online?
For clarity: 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.
What format does Chess Online offer?
For clarity: 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.
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.