Play classic chess with the full rules, free in your browser: castling, en passant, promotion and every kind of draw. Five computer rulers of the desert kingdom wait for you, from a gentle Novice to a Grandmaster, or play two players on one screen. The board is a 3D diorama of two kingdoms, snow and desert, and one tap turns it into a flat view. A short tour shows the controls, the rules are always under the question mark, and the game says in words why a move is not allowed. Chess runs on a phone, tablet or computer with no download.
Chess is about the safety of your king as much as attack: one careless pawn move can end the game.
New to chess? Each side starts with sixteen pieces. White moves first, then the sides take turns. You win by checkmate: the enemy king is attacked and cannot escape, block or capture the attacker.
Before your next move
Pushing the f- and g-pawns early opens the shortest way to your own king.
Ignoring your opponent's queen: before every move, check what her last move attacks.
Browser edition
Play in your browser. No app download is needed.
Questions about Chess
What is checkmate?
The king is attacked, it cannot step to a safe square, no piece can block the attack and the attacker cannot be captured. The game ends at once.
What is the fastest checkmate?
Two moves for Black, as in this example: 1. f3 e5 2. g4 Qh4 checkmate. It only happens when White weakens the king's side.
Can I play two players on one device?
Yes. Choose Two players and pass the phone or share the computer; the board turns to the side whose turn it is.
Original ManyPlay game. Controls and examples were checked against the browser edition; cover illustrations are labelled separately from gameplay captures. Report a changed rule or control.
