THE PLAYBOOK · SHANGHAIJXC
Play Chess Online with the rules at hand
Start Chess Online by looking at the playing area and its controls. Checkmate the opposing king. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Check the rule that explains your first action. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
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.
Bring this focus to a round
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your objective
Checkmate the opposing king. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. 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.
Making selections and moves
Tap a piece and target; choose a promotion piece when needed. Use the control method described here for this activity. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
Learn from a sample situation
Castling cannot pass through an attacked square. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Look for the relevant detail.
A common point of confusion
The computer is a small search opponent, not a rated engine. Check the rule before repeating the action. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Common questions
For a quick reminder, what is the goal of Chess Online?
For clarity: Checkmate the opposing king.
On this playing page, how do I control Chess Online?
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.
What should I watch out for in Chess Online?
For clarity: The computer is a small search opponent, not a rated engine.
For my first round, 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.
Which play mode does Chess Online use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Local / basic computer. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.