THE PLAYBOOK · MU6006
An introduction to 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. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Use the example below to understand a decision.
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.
Give this approach a try
Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Keep the objective visible.
Understand the aim
Checkmate the opposing king. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Check the rules when you are unsure.
Making your moves
- 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.
Making selections and moves
Tap a piece and target; choose a promotion piece when needed. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.
Put the rules into context
Castling cannot pass through an attacked square. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Keep the game’s format in mind.
A useful caution
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. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Further help with the game
While learning, what is the goal of Chess Online?
The key detail is this: Checkmate the opposing king.
While reading the Guide, how do I control Chess Online?
For clarity: Tap a piece and target; choose a promotion piece when needed.
On this playing page, what example helps explain Chess Online?
Here is the relevant explanation: Castling cannot pass through an attacked square.
For this browser game, what should I watch out for in Chess Online?
The computer is a small search opponent, not a rated engine.
As a new player, 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.
For my first round, which play mode does Chess Online use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Local / basic computer. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.