Chess Online Multiplayer

Ways to play

The game offers online matches against players from around the world, games against the computer, and a same-screen mode for two people at one device, and you can challenge a friend as well. Against the computer you pick one of 21 levels, from Beginner up to World Champion, and you can switch hints on or play with a handicap. Games run with unlimited time or at a Bullet, Blitz, Rapid or Classic pace.

Help for learning

Legal moves can be highlighted on the board, a blunder can be undone, and hints suggest the strongest continuation. After each game an analysis marks your mistakes and proposes better moves, you can replay particular moments, and the move history stays available to look through. Ratings, points and statistics are tracked, so you can keep an eye on how you are doing.

The rules as written

It plays by the standard laws of chess. Pawns advance and capture on the diagonal, knights jump in an L, and the aim is checkmate. Castling is allowed only when neither the king nor that rook has moved, the squares between them are empty, and the king may not be in check or cross or land on an attacked square. En passant works too: if an enemy pawn steps two squares and stops beside yours, you may capture it as if it had moved one, but only on your very next move.

Games can also end level. A draw comes from stalemate, the same position appearing three times, fifty moves with no capture and no pawn move, too little material left to mate, or an agreement between the players.

Making it your own

The pieces and the board can be restyled to suit you, and during a game you can send your opponent cartoon emotions to lighten the mood.