Have you ever been amused by seeing others using their queen to protect the king in Chess? Well, me and my friend got astonished and that’s when I planned to learn and play it online with my fellow. When I searched about online platforms to play 2 players chess free, many results appeared on the web.
And surely a problem raised, “Which one is best?” I visited many platforms and analyzed everything, from the interface of the chess board to the usability of these platforms.
Ultimately, I ended up with a list of the top 10 platforms that allows you to play 2 players chess for free. In this guide, I have mentioned them so you can access and play this amazing game quite comfortably.
Here are the top online platforms that allow you to play 2 player chess for free.
1. Chess.com – The Ultimate Platform for Chess Lovers
Best For: Players of all skill levels looking for a complete chess experience.
Chess.com is one of the top platforms to play 2player chess for free as it offers a comprehensive platform with online play, puzzles, training, and tournaments. It’s a one-stop shop for everything chess, with a massive global community. One of the best things you can access this platform from both the mobile app and the web.
Key Features:
- Play 2 player chess against friends or random opponents.
- Access to over 40 million players worldwide.
- In-depth lessons and interactive chess puzzles to improve your skills.
- Free and premium memberships available.
Price: Free to play, premium membership starts at $5-$14/month for advanced features like unlimited puzzles and ad-free experience.
How to Start:
- Create a free account on Chess.com.
- Invite a friend or play against a random opponent.
- Choose your desired time control (Blitz, Rapid, or Daily).
2. Lichess – Open-Source Excellence
Best For: Chess players looking for a free, ad-free, open-source experience.
Lichess is a completely free and open-source chess platform with no ads or hidden fees. It offers various game modes and time controls, including blitz, bullet, and correspondence chess. It’s perfect for players who value simplicity and no distractions.
Key Features:
- Free and open-source platform.
- Play 2 player chess without interruptions.
- Analyze your games using powerful chess engines.
- Tournaments and chess variants (e.g., Crazyhouse, Chess960).
Price: Free (Donations accepted).
How to Start:
- Go to Lichess and create an account.
- Invite your friend or challenge a random opponent.
- Start playing with your desired time control and chess variant.
3. Poki – Classic Chess with Casual Fun
Best For: Casual chess players who want a relaxing and enjoyable game.
Poki provides a user-friendly interface for casual players to enjoy 2 player chess without the complexities of professional platforms. It’s perfect for players who want to unwind and play at their own pace, featuring fun game modes and a smooth gaming experience.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use interface with no setup required.
- Play against friends or random opponents.
- Offers a variety of casual games beyond just chess.
- Fast loading and intuitive game controls.
How to Start:
- Go to Poki Chess.
- Choose a game mode and invite a friend or play against a random opponent.
- Enjoy the casual gameplay with no time pressure.
4. Playchess.com – Play Chess Like a Professional
Best For: Players who want to engage in high-quality chess games and tournaments.
Playchess.com is an online platform designed for serious chess enthusiasts. It’s hosted by ChessBase, a well-known name in the chess community. The platform allows you to play 2 player chess online and participate in exciting tournaments. It also offers advanced features like game analysis tools, making it ideal for players who want to elevate their skills.
Key Features:
- Access to high-level chess tournaments and live broadcasts.
- Play 2 player chess with a wide range of opponents.
- Advanced game analysis and commentary by grandmasters.
- Real-time game statistics and ratings to track progress.
Price: Free to play, with optional premium through ChessBase account possible.
How to Start:
- Visit Playchess.com and create an account.
- Select the game mode and start playing against friends or random players.
- Join live tournaments or participate in professional-level matches.
5. FIDE Online – The Official Chess Platform of the World Chess Federation
Best For: Chess players who want to compete in official tournaments and engage with the global chess community.
FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) is the governing body for international chess competitions, and their online platform brings together the global chess community. It allows players to engage in official tournaments, earn FIDE ratings, and connect with top-level players. It’s the ideal platform for serious players who want to participate in official events.
Key Features:
- Play in official FIDE-rated tournaments.
- Access to top-level players and global competitions.
- Offers both casual and competitive chess matches.
- Connect with the international chess community and stay updated on world chess events.
Price: Free to play, with additional paid features for premium access at $25/year.
How to Start:
- Visit FIDE Online and create an account.
- Play 2 player chess against a friend or compete in FIDE tournaments.
- Track your official FIDE rating and progress through competitive play.
6. Internet Chess Club – Classic Chess Platform
Best For: Serious chess players who want access to a dedicated chess community.
ICC has been around for years and is a favorite for competitive players. It provides a space for both free play and membership-based access to advanced features. It’s a trusted platform with a dedicated chess community.
Key Features:
- Access to professional tournaments and player rankings.
- Play against top-level players and improve your game.
- Video lessons and game analysis.
Price: Free membership with limited access; premium starts at $7/month.
How to Start:
- Sign up for a free account on ICC.
- Find an opponent or challenge a friend.
- Start playing in a range of game formats.
7. ChessTempo – Perfect for Chess Training and Play
Best For: Players who want to improve their chess skills through training exercises and puzzles.
ChessTempo is a great platform for both casual play and serious chess training. It’s known for its extensive collection of chess puzzles, tactical exercises, and game analysis tools. Players can sharpen their skills with problem-solving exercises or play 2 player chess matches with others from around the world.
Key Features:
- A vast collection of chess puzzles and tactical exercises for all skill levels.
- Play 2 player chess against opponents worldwide.
- Advanced analysis tools to review games and improve strategies.
- Personalized training plans based on your skill level and preferences.
Price: Free with premium membership at $35/year.
How to Start:
- Sign up for a free account on ChessTempo.
- Choose a puzzle to solve or challenge a friend to a 2 player chess game.
- Use the analysis tools to review and improve your moves.
8. Chessable – Chess Learning and Play
Best For: Players who want to learn and play chess simultaneously.
Chessable is perfect for players who want to improve while playing. The platform provides structured lessons and training tools, as well as a chance to play 2 player chess. Chessable also offers features such as progress tracking and community discussions to enhance learning.
Key Features:
- Learning modules designed for all skill levels.
- Play 2 player chess with a personalized experience.
- Move-trainer feature to improve opening and endgame knowledge.
Price: Free to play with premium $10/month.
How to Start:
- Sign up for a free account on Chessable.
- Start learning with beginner lessons or challenge a friend to a game.
- Track your progress and move toward advanced strategies.
9. Gameknot – Play Chess with Friends
Best For: Casual players who want to play turn-based chess.
Gameknot is ideal for players who prefer turn-based chess. This platform allows you to play games at your own pace and invite friends to join. It provides opportunities for players to compete in tournaments, join teams, and improve their skills through puzzles and lessons. It is best for both casual and competitive chess players with community interaction and skill development.
Key Features:
- Play turn-based 2 player chess with friends.
- A large community of players for matchmaking.
- Analyze past games and improve your strategy.
Price: Free with an option for a premium membership.
How to Start:
- Create an account on Gameknot.
- Invite a friend or challenge a random opponent.
- Start playing and enjoy turn-based chess.
10. SparkChess – Play and Learn Chess
Best For: Beginners and casual players who want to learn and play simultaneously.
SparkChess is an excellent option for players who are new to chess. It provides a simple interface, various difficulty levels, and interactive tutorials to help you learn the game as you play.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use interface for new players.
- Play 2 player chess against a friend or random opponents.
- Learn chess basics and advanced techniques.
Price: Free upto two thousand points with advanced features at $14.95/year.
How to Start:
- Visit SparkChess and create an account.
- Choose your level and challenge a friend.
- Start playing and improving your game.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned chess player, the platforms mentioned here offer a diverse range of options for playing 2 player chess online for free. From educational tools to professional-level matches, there’s something for everyone. Choose the platform that best suits your playing style, start your game, and enhance your chess skills today!
How can I play chess for free online?
Most platforms mentioned here, such as Chess.com and Lichess, offer free access to play 2 player chess. Simply create an account and start playing!
Can I play chess with a friend on these platforms?
Yes, all these platforms allow you to play 2 player chess with friends. You can either invite them directly or play via private game links.
Are these platforms safe to use?
Absolutely! All the platforms listed here are trusted, secure, and well-established in the chess community.
