Play chess against the computer
Free, in your browser, at seven strength levels. Nothing to download and no account to make.
Last updated
How do I play chess against the computer for free?
Set Opponent to Computer, pick a strength level, choose your colour and move a piece. The engine replies immediately. Everything runs inside your browser, so there is no download, no account and no waiting for a human opponent to appear.
- Set the opponent to Computer. In the panel beside the board, change Opponent to Computer.
- Choose a strength. Beginner plays almost at random. Club (1400) suits most casual players. Maximum is unbeatable.
- Choose your colour. White moves first. Playing Black lets you practise responding.
- Move a piece. Drag it, or tap the piece then tap the destination. Legal moves appear as dots.
- Undo to learn. Take back a blunder and try a different idea. This is the fastest way to improve.
Which computer strength level should I choose?
Pick the level that beats you about half the time. A complete beginner should start at Beginner or Casual. A player who knows the rules and basic tactics should start at Club (1400). If you win comfortably three games running, move up one level.
| Level | Approx. strength | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Near random | A first ever game of chess |
| Casual | Under 1000 | Knows the moves, still hangs pieces |
| Club (1400) | ~1400 Elo | Plays socially, spots simple tactics |
| Strong (1700) | ~1700 Elo | Regular club player |
| Expert (2000) | ~2000 Elo | Strong club or tournament player |
| Master (2400) | ~2400 Elo | Around FIDE master level |
| Maximum | 3000+ Elo | Analysis, not a fair fight |
The engine runs on your device, not ours. Stockfish is compiled to WebAssembly and executes inside your browser tab. Your games are never uploaded, and the board keeps working if your connection drops mid-game.
Is playing the computer good for improving?
Yes, if you use Undo and play a level that is close to your own. An engine set far above your strength teaches very little, because you lose without understanding why. A level you beat roughly half the time gives you games you can actually learn from.
Two habits make engine practice far more useful. First, when you lose a piece, undo the move and work out what you missed rather than playing on. Second, play the same opening repeatedly so you start to recognise the resulting positions. If you want to learn a specific rule that keeps catching you out, our rules guides demonstrate each one on a real board.
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the computer use?
Stockfish 18, one of the strongest chess engines ever written. It is open source and runs inside your browser.
Why does the first computer move take a moment?
The engine file is about 7 MB and downloads the first time you pick a computer opponent. Your browser then caches it, so later games start instantly.
Can I play as Black?
Yes. Set "You play" to Black and the computer opens as White.
Can I take a move back?
Yes. Undo steps back your move and the computer's reply, returning the position to your turn.
Does it work offline?
Once the page and engine have loaded, the game continues to work without a connection, because nothing is sent to a server.
Is there a mobile app?
No app is needed. The page works in a mobile browser and you can add it to your home screen.