Chess: how to play
Chess is the classic strategy game for two, and on Gamemur you play a complete game against the computer in your browser. You always have the white pieces and move first. Pick one of three levels.
Controls
Tap or click one of your pieces to highlight its legal destinations, then tap the target square. The last move is marked and a king in check is highlighted. When a pawn promotes, a small menu offers queen, rook, bishop or knight. Undo takes back your last move and the computer's reply.
Rules
- The goal is to checkmate the opposing king.
- A king under attack is in check and must be saved on the very next move.
- Castling, en passant and pawn promotion are all supported.
- A game is drawn by stalemate, threefold repetition or insufficient material.
Tips
- Develop knights and bishops early, then castle before attacking.
- Fight for the centre with pawns and back them up with pieces.
- Before each move, ask what the computer's last move threatens.
- When ahead in material, trade pieces to make the advantage easier to convert.
Choosing a level
Easy suits practising openings and learning piece movement, since the computer defends carelessly. Medium punishes simple blunders; hard looks furthest ahead. Changing level starts a new game, and your choice is remembered for next time.
Phone and draws
The board is made of buttons, one per square, each labelled with its square and piece, and it scales to the screen. Moves are made by tapping rather than dragging, which avoids accidental drops. A draw still pays coins.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play black?
No. You always play white.
Does the computer cheat on higher levels?
No. It follows the same rules; only its strength changes. Easy often grabs captures with little planning, while medium and hard search further ahead.
Can I take back a move?
Yes, Undo reverts your move and the reply, as far back as the game goes.
Do I earn anything?
Winning gives virtual coins: 60 on easy, 100 on medium, 150 on hard, and 20 for a draw. They have no monetary value.