Play chess against the computer

Free, right in your browser, no sign-up. Choose an opponent from beginner to master strength, pick your color and start a game.

How it works

Every opponent is a bot with its own name and rating. The weakest bots, rated 250 to 475, play random moves, which is just right for your very first games. From 500 up, the bots are powered by the Stockfish chess engine and play at the strength of their rating.

Play White or Black, or let the site choose at random. Play without a clock and think as long as you like, or pick a time control from 5+3 to 30 minutes to practise rapid and blitz.

Sign in to save your games and go through them with the engine after you finish.

Why play the computer on Stepchess

  • 100 opponents rated from 250 to 2725, ten in every range
  • No sign-up needed to start a game
  • White, Black or a random color
  • Games with or without a clock
  • Analysis of your games for signed-in players

Questions and answers

Is it free to play chess against the computer?

Yes. Games against the computer are free, and you can start one without an account.

How strong is the computer?

You choose. Bots range from 250, which plays random moves, to 2725, which plays at tournament strength. Each range has ten bots, so you can raise the level step by step.

Can I play with the black pieces?

Yes. Choose Black or Random before you start the game.

Can I review my game afterwards?

Yes, if you are signed in: when the game ends, open the analysis and go through the game with the engine.