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How to Play Chess for Free Against a Computer

Playing chess against computer opponents has several perks. When you do so, you have the option of playing without being intimidated by the stare or comments from a human player. This can be a more relaxing way for a beginner to learn the game of chess, such as how different pieces can be moved. You also can try different strategies. The four websites listed below let you face a computer opponent for free, regardless of how many times you want to play chess.

Instructions

- 1
  Play chess against the computer on the Yale "Java TKChess interface" website. This online chess game gives you the option of playing as either white or black pieces, using the computer's "AI" to make a move for you if you're stuck and also lets you take a move back if you feel you've made an error. Scroll down the page to find instructions underneath the chess board. Click the "Use the non-Java interface" link for a text-based version of chess against the computer (for those without Java installed on the computer).
- 2
  Visit the chess game located on the "Learn 4 Good" website. Click the "Shallow" option inside the center box if you're using a slow computer. Click "Deep" if you never experience any speed problems with the computer. The chess board then appears on the screen. You always play as the bottom chess pieces in this game, and always have the first move. Click the piece you want to move, and then the spot on the chess board. The piece then moves. The game ends once a checkmate occurs.
- 3
  Challenge the Chess Machine found on the Post Card Chess website. Click "Play Black" to play as the black pieces, or "Play White" to play as the white pieces. Move the pieces by clicking on a piece, then the spot on the board, then the "Play" button located to the right of the board. The piece is moved to the chosen spot. The Chess Machine website gives you the option of replaying every move in the match by clicking the browser's "Back" button, which is useful if you've made an error or if you just want to see the moves made during a particular match.
- 4
  Play chess on the Chess.com website. Choose the computer opponent's difficulty and what pieces you'll play as in the menus located to the right of the chess board. The game begins whenever the computer or you make the first move (depending on which pieces you're using during a particular game). You can select the difficulty in this game, which is a useful tool for a person hoping to get better at chess. You also can use the website's forums to discuss different chess strategies, and even play against human opponents if you get bored facing the computer.

Chess & Checkers