Chess
Play chess against the computer or a friend — right in your browser, free, with no download.
How to play Chess
Chess on Inkplay is the classic game on a clean 2D board. You do not need to know any notation or install anything — just point and click:
- Select a piece. Click any of your pieces. Its legal moves appear as glowing dots, and squares where you can capture an opponent appear as rings.
- Make your move. Click a highlighted square to move there. The piece slides into place and, against the computer, your opponent replies instantly.
- Switch sides. Use Flip to turn the board around and view it from Black's perspective.
- Adjust the challenge. Choose Easy, Medium, or Hard, pick whether you play White or Black, or switch to 2 Players to share one screen with a friend.
Game features
- Full, rules-accurate chess: castling, en passant, promotion, check, checkmate, stalemate and draws.
- A computer opponent with three strengths, powered by an alpha-beta search that runs in a background thread so the board never stutters.
- Legal-move highlighting, move history, captured-piece tray, undo, and one-click hints.
- Pure black-and-white visuals generated entirely from geometry — there is not a single image file to download.
Chess — frequently asked questions
How do I play chess in the browser?
Click one of your pieces — the squares you can legally move to light up. Click a highlighted square to move there. Against the computer, it replies automatically. Everything runs in your browser with no download.
Is this chess game free to play?
Yes — Chess is completely free, with no sign-up, no download, and no interruptions.
Can I play chess against the computer?
Yes. Play the built-in computer at Easy, Medium, or Hard, or switch to 2-Player mode to pass-and-play against a friend on the same device.
How do I move a chess piece?
Click a piece to select it. Legal destinations show as dots and captures as rings. Click a highlighted square to move. Use Flip to switch sides.
Does the game follow all the rules of chess?
Yes — castling, en passant, pawn promotion, check, checkmate, stalemate, and draws by repetition or insufficient material are all enforced.
More black & white games
In the mood for more? Try 2048 or Snake, or browse the full games list on Inkplay.