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About Chess
Free online chess with every rule implemented, five computer levels, board themes, takebacks and a move list. Play the computer, a friend on one device, or someone live with a code.
This is real chess rather than an approximation. The move generator is verified with perft, the standard technique of counting every possible sequence of moves to a given depth and comparing against the published figures for known test positions. It matches on all of them, which is the only reliable way to know the awkward cases are right: castling out of, through and into check, en passant capture including the rare pin where taking en passant would expose your own king along the rank, underpromotion, and every draw rule. The computer runs a proper alpha-beta search with piece-square tables and a captures-only extension, so it will not fall for a simple trade trick. Levels one and two are deliberately weakened so a child can win, rather than being the same engine on a shorter clock.
Frequently asked questions
Are all the chess rules really here?＋
Yes, including castling restrictions, en passant, underpromotion, stalemate, the fifty-move rule, threefold repetition and insufficient material. Move generation is verified against published perft counts for the standard test positions.
How strong is the computer?＋
Level five searches several moves deep with a captures-only extension and will punish loose pieces. Levels one and two are deliberately easy so a child can win, rather than being a strong engine on a short clock.
Can I take a move back?＋
Yes, against the computer, and it steps back over its reply so it is your turn again. Takebacks are off against a live opponent, for obvious reasons.
Can I change how the board looks?＋
There are five colour schemes, coordinates on or off, legal-move dots on or off, a check warning and a move list. Your choices are remembered on your device without an account.
Can two of us play on one device?＋
Yes. Switch to 2 Players, and turn on the option that faces the board towards whoever is to move so nobody plays upside down.
How do I play someone who is not with me?＋
Every game here has a join code. Share it and they take Black, or use the lobby to be paired with whoever is waiting.