King
Moves one square in any direction. Checkmate the king to end the game.
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Latest post-game analysis
Created after each gameAfter a game, this panel will show key turning points, material swings, and an overall review.
What you can do on this chess board
This is a free chess board that is ready when the page opens. There is nothing to download and no account to create: choose an AI strength and begin, share one device with someone nearby, or create a room link for a friend elsewhere.
Every game uses standard 8×8 rules, including castling, en passant, promotion, check, and checkmate. You do not need to memorize openings first. Finish a game, then learn from the positions that actually puzzled you.
How to start a game of chess
- Choose an AI strength: begin with gentle practice, then increase the challenge when the board feels familiar.
- Select a piece: the board marks its legal destinations; select one of them to move.
- Watch the turn: White moves first, then you respond after your opponent has played.
- Use a hint when stuck: it suggests one move to consider without playing the move for you.
- Undo a mistake: test another idea, or replay the whole game after it ends.
A quick guide to all six pieces
Full rulesQueen
Moves along ranks, files, and diagonals, giving it the widest reach.
Rook
Moves in straight lines along ranks or files and controls open lanes.
Bishop
Moves diagonally and remains on the same colour of square.
Knight
Moves in an L shape and is the only piece that can jump over others.
Pawn
Moves forward, captures diagonally, and promotes to a queen here on the last rank.
Check, checkmate, and stalemate
Your king is in check when an opposing piece attacks it. You must move the king, capture the attacker, or block the line of attack. If none of those responses is legal, it is checkmate. If a player has no legal move but the king is not in check, the game ends in a draw by stalemate.
Before every move, ask what your opponent could capture or check next. That simple habit is more useful to a beginner than chasing a spectacular combination.
Castling, en passant, and promotion
Chess is played on 64 squares, with White moving first. Three special rules appear often:
- Castling: the king moves two squares toward a rook and the rook crosses to the square beside it. Neither piece may have moved, the intervening squares must be empty, and the king cannot castle out of, through, or into check.
- En passant: when a pawn advances two squares from its starting rank beside an opposing pawn, that opposing pawn may capture it as though it had advanced only one square. The capture is available immediately, for one move only.
- Promotion: a pawn reaching the farthest rank becomes another piece. This board promotes it to a queen, the usual choice in practice games.
These rules are enforced automatically. Consult the rules guide when you want the details, then begin with chess against AI or two-player chess.
Frequently asked questions
Is the AI suitable for a beginner?
Yes. Start with gentle practice and increase the strength at your own pace. The setting is a practice tool, not a label for your ability.
Can I keep games without creating an account?
Yes. Your five most recent AI or shared-device games and their material-based analysis stay in this browser. They do not sync after you change devices or clear site data.
Can I play chess on a phone?
Yes. The board scales to the screen, and you move by selecting a piece and then its destination. The information panel moves below the board on smaller screens.
Can I play with someone beside me?
Yes. In two-player mode, both players take turns on one phone, tablet, or computer. White moves first, and neither person needs an account.
How do I play a friend who is elsewhere?
Create an online room and send your friend its link. Rooms may be public or private; private rooms do not appear in the lobby.
Can I undo a move?
Yes. Against AI, undo takes back your move and the AI response so you can compare another idea. Two-player mode takes back one move at a time.
Does the board support special chess rules?
Yes. Castling, en passant, promotion, check, checkmate, and stalemate are all handled under standard 8×8 chess rules.
How can I review a finished game?
Select “Replay” below the board to step through the game from the beginning. Pay particular attention to moves before a capture, check, or material swing.
Will the AI freeze the page while thinking?
No. The board remains responsive while the AI searches, and the status message tells you when a move needs more thought.
What should I look at when I have no idea what to play?
Check whether your king is safe, then look for immediate captures and checks by your opponent. If you are still unsure, use a hint and review the move afterward.