The Best Chess Games to Play Online for Free
These games are sure to satisfy any connoisseur of this classic war board game.
Get ready to have a blast with free online chess games! These are our select picks of awesome web games that bring together old-school chess with modern interface and accessibility. Think classic chess matches with cool old graphics, catchy tunes, and lots of fun. Play online and enjoy the timeless fun of chess!
How Do We Select the Top Chess Games
Before curating any “best chess games” list, we have to first define our criteria. What’s the difference between a good chess game and a great one? This also helps explain why some very good online chess games didn’t make the cut.
Firstly, the game has to be enjoyable. It should bring back that classic chess feeling while remaining exciting, whether you play for a short or long time.
Next is the challenge. The chess games on our list are tricky enough to keep you interested but not so hard that you feel frustrated. Bonus points if the game can guide players toward becoming better at chess.
Lastly, we looked at how many people like and still play the chess game. The most popular games are the top for a reason, after all.
Based on these factors, here are our top 10 picks for retro chess games that you can play online for free:
1. Master Chess
Developer: Code This Lab
Tags: board, strategy, multiplayer
Rating: 4.6/5
Master Chess features engaging multiplayer, allowing players to challenge and compete against their friends in real time. You can face off against a computer for practice or challenge a friend to a one-on-one duel of wits. On top of this, the intuitive interface and smooth gameplay make for a game that’s accessible and enjoyable for chess enthusiasts of all skill levels.
2. Auto Chess
Developer: Dragonest Games
Tags: board, strategy, multiplayer
Rating: 4.1/5
Auto Chess isn’t your typical chess game. Originating as a DOTA2 custom map, Auto Chess is a multiplayer auto battler where players select pieces from a pool of heroes. Each round, your pieces battle against another player’s, earning money by defeating opponents. You buy heroes to add to your board, picking those that synergize with your existing ones.
Auto Chess is fresh, innovative, and madly addictive. It’s nothing like chess, as you know it, but any fan of the classic board game should try this wild variant.
3. Battle Chess: Puzzle
Developer: Dapalab
Tags: board, strategy, multiplayer
Rating: 4.6/5
Battle Chess: Puzzle is a cute strategy title that challenges you with dozens of simple but challenging arithmetic puzzles. When two pieces go to battle, the one with the higher attack score wins, absorbing the loser’s strength in the process. This simple premise is instantly engaging, and you’ll be tempted to try and retry until you find the solution.
4. Mate in One
Developer: Monstera
Tags: board, strategy, multiplayer
Rating: 4.5/5
Mate in One will test your chess prowess with fun little skill tests that challenge you to achieve checkmate in just one move. There are hundreds of different situations to try out, and some will really have you racking your brain. Mate in One is a cute little chess-based puzzler that’s perfect for sneaking in a few quick rounds during a break. In time, you’ll find you’ve improved as a chess player, too!
5. The Chess
Developer: BUSIDOL
Tags: board, strategy, multiplayer
Rating: 4.5/5
We’ve covered some wild chess variants and chess-inspired titles here, but if you just want to enjoy some straight chess, The Chess is for you. The great visuals and responsive interface make jumping in and out of matches easy and loads of fun.