Chess
Checkmate the computer.
About Chess
Chess is the timeless game of strategy. Play against our own computer opponent at three levels — from a relaxed game to a real test — and climb the leaderboard with your quickest checkmates.
How to play
You play white and move first. Tap a piece to see where it can go, then tap a highlighted square. All the standard rules apply: castling, en passant and promotion (you choose the piece). Checkmate the computer's king to win; stalemate, repetition, the 50-move rule and insufficient material are draws. Faster wins score higher.
Tips and strategies
- Control the centre early with pawns and pieces.
- Develop knights and bishops before moving the same piece twice, and castle to keep your king safe.
- Before every move, check what your opponent is threatening — hanging pieces lose games.
Chess strategy guide
Develop before you attack. Bring out knights and bishops, castle and connect your rooks before chasing pawns — the engine punishes loose pieces.
Check every capture. The computer always follows captures to the end, so before each move ask what it could take and whether your piece is defended.
Turn an advantage into mate. Once you're ahead in material, trade pieces, push a passed pawn or bring your queen and a rook against the king — quicker wins score more.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is the computer?
It runs our own chess engine. Easy looks one move ahead, Medium two and Hard three, always following captures to the end. You play white and move first.
Which rules apply?
Standard chess, including castling, en passant and promotion. A game is drawn by stalemate, the fifty-move rule, threefold repetition or insufficient material.
How are wins ranked?
Only checkmates count, and quicker wins rank higher: your score is 200 minus the number of moves you made.
Is Chess free to play?
Yes. Every game on Puzzimo is completely free and runs in your browser on desktop, tablet and phone — no download or installation.
Do I need an account?
No. You can play instantly as a guest and still appear on the leaderboards. Sign in with Google, Discord or LINE to keep your scores on every device.
How does the daily Chess challenge work?
Every day at 00:00 UTC everyone gets the same new puzzle. Only your first finish of the day counts on the leaderboard.
How are leaderboard results verified?
Our servers replay every move of your game and measure the time themselves, so leaderboard results can't be faked.