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Chess Online: instructions and practice

Try a more deliberate round

Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Make the next step deliberately.

What you need to achieve

Checkmate the opposing king. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.

The order of play

  1. Select local play or basic computer.
  2. Choose a piece and a legal target.
  3. Castling, en passant and promotion obey king-safety rules.
  4. Use the promotion selector before moving to the last rank.
  5. Undo or New game restarts play.

Keyboard and screen controls

Tap a piece and target; choose a promotion piece when needed. Read a button’s label before selecting it. A new-round button replaces the current round.

A closer look at one example

Castling cannot pass through an attacked square. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Keep the controls nearby.

Where a round can go wrong

The computer is a small search opponent, not a rated engine. Check the rule before repeating the action. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.

Further help with the game

While learning, what is the goal of Chess Online?

Keep this in mind: Checkmate the opposing king.

For my first round, how do I control Chess Online?

Keep this in mind: Tap a piece and target; choose a promotion piece when needed.

As a new player, what example helps explain Chess Online?

The key detail is this: Castling cannot pass through an attacked square.

For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Chess Online?

The computer is a small search opponent, not a rated engine.

When I return, what format does Chess Online offer?

Keep this in mind: 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.

While learning, 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.

While learning, where should I start with Chess Online?

Here is the relevant explanation: Select local play or basic computer.

Before I begin, do I need an account or a payment for Chess Online?

No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

When I return, how can I find Chess Online again?

Here is the relevant explanation: 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?

For clarity: 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.