That way, you’ll have a head start and be able to take advantage of the situation. So, as you’re playing in your first matches, try to make it a habit to analyze each move by looking at what your opponent has done and trying to guess what they might try to do next. Whether you play chess against a computer or a person, a key part of the game is learning to follow each move and analyze what your opponent is doing. The good news is that there aren’t that many pieces, so you can quickly grasp the difference between each piece and start making moves on the board. Only by being very familiar with the rules can you start developing your own strategy or try out tactics you learn online. Our experts have put together these five helpful tips to help new and veteran chess players improve their game today.Ī fundamental part of playing online chess is knowing how each piece moves on the board. But while the experience can be fun and engaging, it can also be incredibly frustrating when you’re just not hitting your stride. Playing chess games online can be a new and exciting challenge. Chess is won by placing your opponent’s king in “checkmate.” This simply means that it is impossible for your opponent to move their king to safety (or remove or block the threat) in a single move, and that you have won the chess match.

You may either move your king, or block or capture the threatening piece. If any opponent piece threatens to take your king, you are placed in “check.” When in check, you must make your king safe with your next move.

Rooks can move forward, backward or sideways, as long as there is space available. Kings can move in any direction, but only one square at a time. Queens are able to move in any direction and can move as many spaces as are available. Pawns can attack, but only diagonally and in a forward direction.īishops move diagonally and can move as many spaces on the chess board as are available. However, on its first move, it can move two squares. Pawns can only move forward one square at a time. They are the only piece that can jump over other pieces in the chess board. Knights move in an L-shape: Out two squares and over one.

To begin playing chess, you can move either a pawn or a knight.

Chess play online vs computer