Complete chess rules
Legal move checking includes check, checkmate, stalemate, castling, en passant, and pawn promotion.
The classic game
Play standard chess online free
Play a complete game of standard chess in your browser. Start against the computer, share a challenge link with a friend, or play face-to-face on one device. No download is required, and unrated guest games do not require an account.
Flexible chess clocks
Choose no clock or any whole-minute starting time from 1 to 60 minutes, with clear clocks for both players.
Clear board guidance
High-contrast squares, distinct SVG pieces, move markers, the previous move, and an in-check warning keep the position easy to follow.
Notation and game history
Show or hide algebraic notation, follow the move list, and review what happened during the game.
Sounds and celebrations
Optional move sounds, check alerts, and end-of-game win, loss, or draw graphics make important moments obvious.
Play online or offline
Friend challenges work online. After the first connected visit, computer and local games can also work in airplane mode.
What makes this standard chess?
Standard chess uses an 8×8 board, sixteen pieces for each player, White moving first, and the normal international rules of chess.
- One king and queen per side
- Two rooks, bishops, and knights
- Eight pawns per side
- Check and checkmate
- Castling on either side
- En passant captures
- Promotion on the last rank
- Draw and stalemate detection
Ready to play?
Start a free standard chess game now, then explore lessons and the Daily Puzzle when you want to improve.