Play Chess Against the Computer

Online chess against the computer

If you want a quick training game, choose computer play and set the difficulty level. You do not need to install a separate chess program just to test a position or play a practice game.

Computer play is useful for opening practice, time control habits, and basic tactics. After the game you can return to the PGN, inspect the move history, and run analysis if Premium access is enabled.

Choosing a level

Start with a level where the computer still makes mistakes but forces you to check threats. A level that is too strong punishes every move immediately, while a level that is too weak does not expose real problems.

A good training game leaves you with two or three concrete moments to review: a missed check, passive piece, poor exchange plan, or tactical error.

• Stockfish difficulty levels
• play White or Black
• short or unlimited time controls
• move history and PGN

After the game

Do not immediately start another game. First review the latest moves and find the moment where the position became difficult. This short review is more useful than many random games.

If the same motif repeats, open tactical puzzles or Stockfish analysis and look for a simpler plan in similar positions.