Master Chess: play free chess online vs the PC or a friend

About Master Chess

Master Chess is a strategy board game that brings classic chess to your browser. You move your pieces across the board with the mouse, and the goal is to checkmate the opposing king before yours is trapped.

What sets this version apart is its polished look and its two game modes: play against the computer to practise at your own pace, or challenge a friend locally by taking turns on the same device. There is nothing to download and no account to create, so you can start a game of free online chess within seconds. The game is designed for desktop play and is controlled entirely with the mouse.

If you are a beginner, Master Chess is a good way to review how each piece moves and learn basic openings without time pressure. If you already have experience, you can use the computer mode to try new ideas or enjoy a relaxed game with a friend at home.

How to play Master Chess?

The rules are those of traditional chess: White and Black move in turn, every piece moves in its own way, and the winner is whoever leaves the enemy king with no escape. All you need to do is pick a mode and move with the mouse.

Choose a game mode: against the computer or against a friend on the same device.
Click one of your pieces to select it and see where it can go.
Click the destination square to move the piece, then it is your opponent's turn.
Capture enemy pieces, keep your king safe and look for checkmate to win.

Master Chess controls

PC

Mouse: click a piece to select it, then click the target square to move it.
No keyboard is needed: the whole game is played with the mouse.

Tips and tricks: Master Chess

Fight for the centre of the board with pawns and knights in the opening.
Develop your knights and bishops before moving the queen several times.
Castle early to tuck your king away and bring a rook into play.
Before every move, check which of your pieces is left unprotected.
Against the computer, practise simple endgames such as king and rook versus king.