Playing chess online: comparing the best free sites

The 10 best sites for playing chess online for free

1. Lichess — 100% free and open source

Lichess is the number one choice for playing chess online without spending a penny. Entirely free, advert-free and open source, Lichess offers a fast, uncluttered interface. You can play in real time, take part in tournaments around the clock, analyse your games with the Stockfish engine and solve tactical puzzles. No sign-up is needed to start a game — a major advantage for those who want to play chess online without registering. The mobile app (iOS and Android) is just as comprehensive as the web version.

2. Chess.com — the world’s largest community

Chess.com brings together more than 150 million members and is the largest online chess platform. The site offers live games with various time controls (bullet, blitz, rapid, classical) as well as correspondence games. Free membership gives access to an unlimited number of games, forums and a handful of daily puzzles.

Premium subscriptions (from $2.99 to $11.99/month) unlock video lessons, detailed analysis reports, unlimited puzzles and access to the full video library. Chess.com particularly excels at educational content: the lessons cover everything from piece placement to advanced endgame tactics. You might even cross paths with Grandmasters such as Magnus Carlsen or Hikaru Nakamura live.

3. Chess24 — ideal for following tournaments

Chess24, now part of Chess.com, remains a reference point for live coverage of major international tournaments. Free membership gives access to online play and some content. Premium members enjoy video courses, ebooks, and can challenge titled players during live streams.

4. PlayChess.com — for serious players

PlayChess.com is run by ChessBase, the publisher of the world’s most widely used chess database software. The site integrates with the ChessBase and Fritz programs, making it a favourite among players who analyse their games seriously. Fewer players are online at any given time, but the average level is high.

5. Internet Chess Club (chessclub.com) — the veteran

The ICC was long the go-to site for facing Grandmasters and International Masters. Although it has since been overtaken in popularity by Chess.com and Lichess, it retains a community of high-level players. Membership is paid, though a one-month free trial is offered.

6. FICS (Freechess.org) — the historic alternative

FICS is a long-standing online chess server, created as a free alternative to the ICC. It requires downloading a compatible interface (there is no native web interface). A niche choice for nostalgics and purists. For a change of pace away from the classic servers, also discover how to learn shogi, Japanese chess.

7. GameKnot — correspondence chess

GameKnot specialises in correspondence play, with over a million members. Entirely free, it offers a games database and tactical training. Ideal for those who prefer to think for several hours before playing their move.

8. Red Hot Pawn — turn-based games with friends

Red Hot Pawn is a correspondence site with a large community. It offers tournaments, rankings and a “clan” system for team play. Basic registration is free, with premium options for advanced features.

9. SparkChess — playable without sign-up

SparkChess stands out for its simplicity: you can start a game straight from your browser without creating an account. It’s a handy option for a quick game of chess online without registering. The interface is accessible to beginners, with several AI levels.

10. FlyOrDie — online chess without sign-up

FlyOrDie offers a minimalist experience for playing chess free online. No need to register: choose a nickname and start playing against other players. The interface is basic but functional.

Playing chess against the computer: which platform to choose?

If you’d rather train alone than face human players, several platforms offer quality AI opponents:

Platform	AI engine	Available levels	Free
Lichess	Stockfish	1 to 8 (beginner to GM)	Yes
Chess.com	Proprietary	100 to 3200 Elo	Yes (limited)
SparkChess	Proprietary	3 levels (Cody, Claire, Boris)	Yes

The advantage of playing against the computer is being able to adjust the difficulty level to match your progress. It’s an excellent way to test openings or work on your endgames without the pressure of a human opponent.

For a similar experience away from the screen, electronic chess boards offer AI opponents from 1,200 to 2,800 Elo, with the pleasure of handling real pieces. It’s the best compromise between digital training and board play. To play online on a real board, the DGT Pegasus connects to Lichess via Bluetooth, and the DGT e-Boards, sold without pieces, plug into a computer.

Learning chess online: resources to help you improve

Playing alone isn’t enough to improve: you also need to study. Here are the best resources for learning chess online:

• ▶Lichess Learn — free interactive courses, from how pieces move to advanced tactics
• ▶Chess.com Lessons — hundreds of video lessons structured by level (premium)
• ▶YouTube channels — GothamChess, Blitzstream (in French), Eric Rosen for game analysis
• ▶Tactical puzzles — available on Lichess (unlimited and free) and Chess.com (limited for free members)

To round out your online learning, chess books remain an essential reference. Nothing replaces in-depth reading for mastering classical openings and strategic principles.

If you’re just starting out and looking for a set to practise at home, our folding chess sets are practical and affordable companions for your progress.

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Online or on a board: why not both?

Playing online is a wonderful way to improve quickly: opponents available round the clock, automatic game analysis, and puzzles galore. But the pleasure of moving real wooden pieces on a beautiful chess board remains a unique experience that no screen can replicate.

Many players combine both approaches: online training for technical progress, and board games for the pleasure of play and meeting fellow enthusiasts at a club. It’s this complementarity, in fact, that gives chess its richness.

If you’re ready to invest in a quality physical set, discover our selection:

• Complete chess setsMatching pieces and board, ready to play
• High-end chess boardsSolid wood, marble, leather
• Marble chess boardsCollector’s pieces for enthusiasts
• Chess setsFrom the classic Staunton to original designs

Frequently asked questions about online chess