Against the computer
Play Stockfish with seven presets or choose any target in 100-point steps.
- Direct Stockfish moves
- Seven strength presets
- 100-point slider
Play Chess Online Free
Choose Stockfish, a human-like ChessDoctrine bot, or one of 34 chess legends. Set the strength, clock and color, then use the standard board or paste a FEN or PGN.
1Choose an opponent
2Set strength and clock
3Start, play, review
3 ways to play · 34 chess legends · clocks from 1+0 to 90+30 · FEN or PGN starting positions
Black · ChessDoctrine
Finish the setup, then press Start game.
White · You
ChessDoctrinehuman-like model trained on human games
Preparing the board.
Set the game on the right. Start opens the board and starts the side-to-move clock.
Set up your game
Choose an opponent, set its strength, then choose a time control, color and starting position.
OpponentPick a preset or choose any Stockfish target strength in 100-point steps.
Choose an approximate Lichess or FIDE playing-strength scale. Both control the same supported human-like opponent.
100-point steps
6001800 Lichess Elo target3000
Approximate Lichess playing-strength scale, mapped to the current supported bot target.
Choose a chess legend, then set the strength, time control and color.
100-point steps
600Preset 4 · 1500 Elo2500
Human-like mode uses the selected rating-conditioned model band.
The first number is each side's starting minutes. The second is the increment added after every completed legal move.
Your colorStart game locks these settings. Choose Change setup to edit them. Review becomes available when the game ends.
Choose your opponent
Compare how each opponent plays.
Against a human-like bot
Use either approximate rating scale with the same playable human-like opponent.
- Lichess scale, 600 to 3000
- FIDE scale, 1500 to 2600
- Every 100-point setting
Against a chess legend
Choose a chess legend, then set the target on either approximate rating scale.
- 34 named opponents
- Lichess 600 to 3000
- FIDE 1500 to 2600
Compare opponents
Stockfish, human-like move choices, or a chess legend.
| Feature | Computer | Human-like bot | Chess legend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Stockfish engine | ChessDoctrine human-like model | Chess legend |
| How it plays | Engine moves within the selected strength budget | Move choices conditioned by rating | Set strength, clock and color |
| Opponent identity | Stockfish | Rating band | Named chess legend |
| Strength control | 600 to 2500, with seven shortcuts | Approximate Lichess 600 to 3000 or FIDE 1500 to 2600 | Both approximate scales for every legend |
| Starting position | Standard, FEN or PGN | Standard, FEN or PGN | Standard, FEN or PGN |
| Best fit | Test yourself against an engine | Face human-like decisions near your band | Play against a chess legend |
| Continue | Open computer play | Open human-like play | Meet the legends |
Not sure who to play?
Answer four questions and get a ready setup: opponent, strength, clock and color.
Use this setup copies the recommendation into the panel above. The game starts only when you press Start game.
How a game works here
Choose an opponent
Pick Stockfish, a human-like model, or a chess legend. Each route shows its own valid rating range before you start.
Start the clocks
Choose your color and time control. Start opens the board and starts the clock for the side to move.
Review the game
When the game ends, review the moves that changed the position and decide what to test next.
Questions people ask before their first game
Can I play chess here for free?
Yes. Games run in your browser without a subscription, account or download.
What is the difference between the computer, human-like bot and chess legend modes?
Computer mode plays direct Stockfish moves at the selected strength. Human-like mode uses ChessDoctrine's rating-conditioned model trained on millions of human games. Legend mode lets you choose one of 34 chess legends, then set the strength and clock.
Can I change a chess legend's playing strength?
Yes. Choose the approximate Lichess scale from 600 to 3000 or FIDE scale from 1500 to 2600, both in 100-point steps.
Is the selected Elo a legend's historical rating or my exact site rating?
No. It is an approximate playing-strength target, not the legend's historical rating and not a conversion of FIDE, Chess.com or Lichess ratings.
What strength should a beginner choose?
If you have an online rapid rating, start at that number or 100 points lower. A new player can begin at 600 and move up when games become competitive.
When should I raise the opponent's strength?
Move up by 100 points after several competitive games at the current setting. One result is not enough to measure a new level.
What is the difference between a preset and the slider?
The seven Computer buttons are shortcuts on the same scale. The slider and minus or plus controls select every 100-point value from 600 to 2500.
Can I choose White, Black or a random color?
Yes. Choose White, Black or Random for the side you control. The starting position decides which color moves first.
What do time controls such as 3+2 and 10+0 mean?
The first number is each side's starting time in minutes. The second is the increment added after every completed move. The active clock switches only after a legal move.
Can I play without a clock?
Yes. Choose No clock for an untimed game. No countdown runs and time cannot decide the result.
Do chess legend bots replay historical games move for move?
No. Every game is new.
Can I start from a FEN or PGN?
Yes. Standard chess is the default. Open Starting position to paste a FEN or one PGN. A PGN loads its final mainline position.
Can I undo moves and review the game?
Undo is available only against the Computer and restores both stored clocks. It is unavailable during active human-like and legend games. Review game becomes available after the game ends.
Does the board work on mobile devices?
Yes. Tap a piece and its destination, or drag it. On phones, a compact dock keeps Setup and Start within reach while the full settings open in an in-screen sheet. The board orientation and clock labels follow the color chosen for the game.
Which opponent uses Stockfish?
Against the computer uses Stockfish. Human-like mode uses ChessDoctrine's model trained on human games. Legend mode is the chess legend option.
What is the difference between the Lichess and FIDE scales?
They are two approximate ways to set the same supported human-like opponent. Lichess runs from 600 to 3000; FIDE runs from 1500 to 2600. Both are playable and map to the current bot target.