How to play
Click a piece to see its legal moves, then click a highlighted square. You can also drag pieces. When a pawn reaches the last rank, choose the piece to promote to. Choose Play Black to let the computer open, and use Take back to undo your last move.
Rules summary
- King moves one square in any direction. Queen moves any distance in a straight line or diagonal. Rook moves in straight lines, bishop along diagonals.
- Knight jumps in an L shape and is the only piece that can leap over others.
- Pawns move forward one square (two on their first move) and capture diagonally. A pawn that has just moved two squares can be captured en passant.
- Castling: move the king two squares toward a rook that has not moved; the rook jumps over. Not allowed out of, through or into check.
- You win by checkmate – the enemy king is attacked and has no escape. Stalemate, threefold repetition, the 50-move rule and insufficient material are draws.
Tips for beginners
- Control the centre with pawns and pieces in the opening.
- Develop knights and bishops before moving the queen out.
- Castle early to keep your king safe.
- Before every move, check which of your pieces are attacked and which enemy pieces are undefended.
- Trade pieces when you are ahead in material; avoid trades when you are behind.
Computer levels
Easy looks one move ahead and plays with some randomness – good for learning. Medium searches a few moves deep and punishes loose pieces. Hard searches deeper with tactical extensions and is a solid challenge for casual players.
FAQ
Can I play against a friend?
Yes. Choose 2 Players and take turns on the same device. The board stays in one orientation; use Flip board if you like.
Why can't I castle?
Castling is blocked if the king or that rook has moved, if a piece stands between them, or if the king is in check or would pass through an attacked square.