# How to Play Online Chess Against Friends
Online chess is a simple way to enjoy matches with friends from anywhere, whether you use a laptop, Android phone, or iPhone. The two most popular free platforms are **Lichess** and **Chess.com**. This guide covers step-by-step setup, time controls, settings, and common beginner tips.
Best Platforms Overview
### Lichess (Recommended for quick, free matches)
- Fully free, no paid subscription required
- **Your friend does NOT need an account** to join via link
- Supports bullet, blitz, rapid, classical, and custom chess variants
- Built-in chat, spectator mode, and game analysis after the match
### Chess.com
- Free tier available, premium unlocks deeper analysis
- Best if both players create accounts and add each other as friends
- Great for learning resources, puzzles, and rated friendly games
- Mobile app works smoothly on smartphones
Step-by-Step: Lichess (Fastest Method)
1. Open lichess.org in your browser or launch the Lichess app.
2. Click **Play with a friend**.
3. Configure your game settings:
- **Time control**: Choose how much time each player gets (e.g., 10+0, 5+3, 15+10). The first number = starting minutes; the second = seconds added after every move.
- Color: Pick White, Black, or Random.
- Game type: Casual (no rating change) or rated.
4. Tap **Create Game**.
5. Copy the generated invite link and send it to your friend on WhatsApp, Telegram, or any chat app.
6. Your friend opens the link and clicks Join. The match starts right away.
> Optional: If your friend has a Lichess account, you can search their username directly to send a challenge instead of sharing a link.
Step-by-Step: Chess.com
1. Both you and your friend sign up for a free Chess.com account.
2. Search for your friend’s username and send a friend request.
3. Once they accept, go to **Play > Play a Friend**.
4. Select your friend from the list, set time control, color, and rated/casual mode.
5. Send the challenge. Your friend gets a notification to accept.
6. The game begins once they accept. You can also share a direct challenge link here.
Important Game Settings Explained
- **Bullet**: 1 minute or less per player (very fast speed chess)
- **Blitz**: 3–5 minutes per player
- **Rapid**: 10–15 minutes, best for casual friendly games
- **Classical**: 30+ minutes, for slow, thoughtful matches
- **Increment**: Extra seconds added after every move. For beginners, 5+3 or 10+5 works well to avoid losing on time by accident.
- **Casual**: No rating points gained or lost. Perfect for fun practice with friends.
- **Rated**: Your chess rating goes up or down based on the result.
Extra Useful Features
- **Spectator mode**: Share the same link with other friends so they can watch your game.
- **Post-game analysis**: After checkmate or draw, use the engine review to see mistakes and better moves.
- **Variants**: Try Chess960, Crazyhouse, King of the Hill if you want something different from standard chess.
- **Voice / text chat**: Both platforms have in-game chat to talk while playing.
Common Situations
### Situation 1: Your friend does not want to make an account
Use Lichess link sharing. They only need to click the link and enter a temporary name, no registration needed.
### Situation 2: You want to play a long, relaxed game
Pick rapid or classical time control with increment, avoid bullet or blitz.
### Situation 3: You want to practice and not worry about rating
Always set the game to **Casual**.
Common Beginner Mistakes
❌ Choosing bullet time control when you are still learning
❌ Sending a Chess.com challenge before adding each other as friends
❌ Forgetting increment and losing a winning position just because time runs out
❌ Sharing the private game link in public groups (strangers can join)
❌ Using chess engines / AI helpers during friendly games (ruins fair fun)
Quick Cheat Sheet
✅ Lichess: No account required for link guests, 100% free
✅ Chess.com: Best for adding friends and tracking ratings
✅ 10+5 rapid is the top pick for casual friend matches
✅ Casual = no rating change; Rated = rating affected
✅ Copy link → send to friend → start playing
✅ Spectator mode lets other friends watch the match
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