Play Chess on Aitchy.Games
This version keeps the board fast and focused while including the rules needed for a complete chess game. Choose a computer level for solo play or switch to two-player mode for a local match on the same device.
Complete move rulesCastling, en passant, promotion, check and checkmate.
Computer opponentFour levels for quick practice at different strengths.
Responsive chessboardDesigned for desktop, tablet and phone screens.
Game review toolsMove history, undo, board flip, hints and FEN copying.
How to Play Chess
- White makes the first move. Players then alternate one move at a time.
- Select one of your pieces to see its legal destination squares.
- Capture an opponent piece by moving onto its square.
- Keep your king out of check. A move that leaves your own king attacked is illegal.
- Win by checkmate: attack the opposing king when no legal move can remove the threat.
How each chess piece moves
| Piece | Movement |
|---|---|
| King | One square in any direction; may castle when the required squares and pieces are eligible. |
| Queen | Any number of open squares horizontally, vertically or diagonally. |
| Rook | Any number of open squares horizontally or vertically. |
| Bishop | Any number of open squares diagonally. |
| Knight | Moves in an L shape: two squares in one direction and one perpendicular. |
| Pawn | Moves forward, captures diagonally, can move two squares from its starting rank, and promotes on the final rank. |
Chess Rules Included in This Game
The game checks legal movement before every move and prevents either side from leaving its own king in check. It also supports kingside and queenside castling, en passant captures, four-piece pawn promotion, checkmate, stalemate, the fifty-move rule, threefold repetition and basic insufficient-material draws.
Simple Chess Strategy for Beginners
- Develop pieces early. Knights and bishops become more useful when they leave the back rank and influence the center.
- Fight for central squares. Control of the center gives your pieces more routes across the board.
- Protect your king. Castling often brings the king to safety while activating a rook.
- Check what your opponent attacks. Before moving, look for checks, captures and direct threats on both sides.
- Avoid trading material without a reason. Queens and rooks are usually more valuable than minor pieces and pawns, so calculate exchanges before committing.