ChessMessHow to play chess with a friend online (no sign-up needed)
Three ways to start a private chess game with a friend in seconds: send a link, read out a 6-digit code, or scan a QR code. Free, with clocks and rematches.
Want to play a friend right now — across the room or across the world? On ChessMess it takes about ten seconds and nobody needs an account.
Step by step
- Go to Play a friend.
- Choose a time control — from 1-minute bullet to 30-minute games, or no clock at all.
- Choose White, Black or random.
- Press Create game and invite and share it one of three ways:
| Way | Best for |
|---|---|
| Link | Sending in WhatsApp, Messenger, Discord, email |
| 6-digit code | Saying it out loud — your friend types it in |
| QR code | Someone next to you scans it with their phone |
The game starts the moment your friend joins.
Fair clocks
The server keeps the time, so both players always see the same clocks. Clocks start after both players' first move, and increments work like in tournament play.
If someone disconnects
Phones lose signal. Your friend has a minute to reconnect and continue; after that you can claim the win or call it a draw.
After the game
- Rematch with colours swapped.
- Game Review for both players — free and unlimited.
- Add friend — with free accounts, you can add each other and send challenges by @handle next time.
Questions and answers
- Does my friend need an account?
- No. They open the link (or enter the code) and play.
- Can we play without a clock?
- Yes. Choose "No clock" when you create the game.
- Can other people watch?
- Anyone who opens the link after both seats are taken watches the game live.
Play free now — no sign-up needed