About Chess with Friends
Chess is the most popular strategy board game in the world. This version is made for playing people you know: send a link and play immediately, with no sign-up.
Full rules are included: castling, en passant and promotion. The board flips so each player sees their own pieces at the bottom.
Chess with Friends at a glance
| Genre | Multiplayer game |
|---|---|
| Price | Free, no download or sign-up |
| Controls | Tap, online or on one device |
| Typical game length | 5 to 20 minutes |
| Lives | None |
| Works on | Phones, tablets and computers, in any modern browser |
| Daily challenge | Yes, the same puzzle for everyone each day |
How to play Chess with Friends
- Choose a mode. Pick how to play: Online with friends (create a room and share the link), Pass & play on one device, or vs Computer.
- Tap a piece. Legal moves are shown.
- Tap a square to move. The move appears on your friend's screen instantly.
- Checkmate to win. Trap the enemy king.
Rules
- The creator of the room plays white.
- Stalemate or bare kings end in a draw.
- Online rooms hold 2 players. Moves appear instantly on every player's screen.
Levels and difficulty
2 players.
Scoring
Winning a game scores 1,000 points, a draw 300 and taking part 100. Share your result with the people you played. Daily challenge scores can be shared with friends.
Tips and strategy for Chess with Friends
- Control the center early.
- Castle to protect your king.
- Check every move for what your opponent threatens.
History of the game
Modern chess rules took shape in southern Europe in the late 1400s.
How we built and tested Chess with Friends
We tested every rule by having the computer play thousands of moves against itself at each player count, making sure every game ends properly and no illegal move is ever accepted. Online rooms were tested with two simulated players joining the same room and taking turns.
Frequently asked questions
Does the board flip for black?
Yes, in online games each player sees their own pieces at the bottom.
How do I play with a friend online?
Choose "Play online with friends", then share the room link or code on WhatsApp. When your friend opens it, they join your room and you can start.
Do my friends need an account?
No. Guests are signed in anonymously in the background, so anyone with the link can join.