THE PLAYBOOK · 09JB
Understand the basics of Chess Online
Make Chess Online your next activity in the game library. Checkmate the opposing king. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Use the opening round to become familiar with the layout. 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.
A small practice goal
When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Refer to the controls when needed.
Your objective
Checkmate the opposing king. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.
The order of play
- 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.
Making selections and moves
Tap a piece and target; choose a promotion piece when needed. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
A useful example
Castling cannot pass through an attacked square. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Read the matching step again.
A useful caution
The computer is a small search opponent, not a rated engine. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
If you are unsure
For my first round, what is the goal of Chess Online?
Checkmate the opposing king.
While learning, how do I control Chess Online?
Tap a piece and target; choose a promotion piece when needed.
While learning, what example helps explain Chess Online?
The key detail is this: Castling cannot pass through an attacked square.
While reading the Guide, what should I watch out for in Chess Online?
For clarity: The computer is a small search opponent, not a rated engine.
While learning, what format does Chess Online offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Local / basic computer. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.