THE PLAYBOOK · ZNLTY
How to play Chess Online
Read the aim of Chess Online, then make your first move. Checkmate the opposing king. Use the example below to understand a decision. Check the rule that explains your first action. Look at what changes after your first action.
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.
Read before acting
Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your goal
Checkmate the opposing king. Read that aim before choosing your first action. 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. Look at the feedback after the action.
A useful example
Castling cannot pass through an attacked square. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Take a moment to compare.
Watch out for this
The computer is a small search opponent, not a rated engine. A different version of the game may use a different rule. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Common questions
As a new player, what is the goal of Chess Online?
For clarity: Checkmate the opposing king.
As a new player, how do I control Chess Online?
The key detail is this: Tap a piece and target; choose a promotion piece when needed.
Before I begin, what example helps explain Chess Online?
Keep this in mind: Castling cannot pass through an attacked square.
For this browser game, 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.
For my first round, 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.
On this playing page, which play mode does Chess Online use?
The mode on this page is Local / basic computer. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
