●You0
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●AI0
Your turn.
Captured 0–0 · Move 0

Promote your pawn

Your pawn reached the far edge. Choose the piece it becomes. Queen is the usual choice.

Chess match

PLAY MODE
DIFFICULTY
YOUR PIECES
0Coral wins
0Draws
0Mint wins

How to play Chess

  1. Choose one of your pieces, then choose a highlighted square.
  2. Each piece follows its classic movement pattern; pieces cannot move through one another.
  3. You cannot make a move that leaves your king in check.
  4. Trap the opposing king with no legal escape to win by checkmate.
  5. A player with no legal move who is not in check earns a stalemate draw.

This quick-play board supports standard movement, check, checkmate, stalemate, and promotion to a queen, rook, bishop, or knight. Castling and en passant are not included.

Chess tips

Develop your pieces early

Bring knights and bishops into the game before launching attacks. A piece sitting on its starting square helps no one.

Keep your king safe

Tuck your king behind its pawns and avoid early queen adventures that leave it exposed to counterattacks.

Check every move

Before each move, look for checks, captures, and threats — for you and your opponent. Most blunders come from skipping this one habit.

Chess FAQ

How do I win at chess?

Trap the other player's king so it has no safe square to move to. That is called checkmate, and the game ends right there.

What does it mean to be in check?

Your king is under attack. On your next move you must get out of check: move the king, block the attack, or capture the attacking piece.

What happens when my pawn reaches the far edge?

You promote it: the pawn turns into a queen, rook, bishop, or knight. Most players pick the queen.

Why can't I castle or play en passant?

This quick-play board keeps a simpler rule set for kids: standard movement, check, checkmate, stalemate, and promotion. Castling and en passant are not included.

Can I take back a move?

No take-backs here. Every move counts, so before you tap a square, look once for checks, captures, and threats.

Is Pocket Chess free to play?

Yes. It is free to play and ad-free, with no account needed.