THE PLAYBOOK · ZHOUSIMIAN
Know the goal in Chess Online
Choose a round of Chess Online and settle into its rules. Checkmate the opposing king. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. 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.
Take a closer look while playing
Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Notice the feedback after each input.
Aim for this result
Checkmate the opposing king. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.
The steps to 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.
How your actions work
Tap a piece and target; choose a promotion piece when needed. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Check any mode label before starting.
Work through an example
Castling cannot pass through an attacked square. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Consider the next action carefully.
Where a round can go wrong
The computer is a small search opponent, not a rated engine. Compare the situation with the worked example. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Answers about the rules and controls
For a quick reminder, what is the goal of Chess Online?
Keep this in mind: Checkmate the opposing king.
For a quick reminder, how do I control Chess Online?
Keep this in mind: Tap a piece and target; choose a promotion piece when needed.
When I return, what example helps explain Chess Online?
Here is the relevant explanation: Castling cannot pass through an attacked square.
For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Chess Online?
For clarity: The computer is a small search opponent, not a rated engine.
As a new player, what format does Chess Online offer?
For clarity: 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.
As a new player, 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.