ChessMessHome › Guide
ChessMess Guide — how everything works
Everything ChessMess can do and how to use it: bots, coach mode, game review, the analysis board, playing friends, worlds, accounts and FAQ.
Getting started with ChessMessWhat ChessMess is, what's free (everything), and how to play your first game against a bot, a friend or the coach in under a minute.Play chess against bots — 19 characters from 250 to 3200How the ChessMess bots work: human-like characters from beginner to grandmaster strength, an adaptive bot that grows with you, and full-strength Stockfish.Play chess with friends — invite by link, 6-digit code or QRCreate a game and invite a friend with a link, a 6-digit code or a QR code. No account needed. Or add friends by @handle and challenge them.Coach mode — feedback on every move while you playPlay against a bot while a coach grades every move, explains mistakes in plain words, shows threats and hints, and lets you take back and try again.Free, unlimited Game Review with Stockfish 19Review every chess game for free: accuracy, move labels from Brilliant to Blunder, an evaluation graph, key moments, a performance estimate and coach explanations.Analysis board — Stockfish 19, multiple lines, PGN and FENAnalyse any position with Stockfish 19: up to five engine lines, arrows, variations, opening names, and PGN/FEN import and export. Free and unlimited.Worlds, boards and piece sets — make the board yoursTen worlds restyle the whole site in one click — page, board, pieces, sounds and scenery — plus 24 boards, 14 piece sets and accessibility options.Accounts, handles, friends and privacyHow free ChessMess accounts work: email confirmation, your @handle and display name, friends, password resets, and what data we keep.ChessMess FAQAnswers to common questions about ChessMess: is it really free, do I need an account, how strong are the bots, how do I play friends, and more.
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A free alternative to Chess.com premium featuresUnlimited game reviews, coaching while you play, bots of every level and play-with-friends links — all free on ChessMess, with no ads and no trial.How 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.Chess bots for every level, from 250 to 3200Meet the ChessMess bot ladder: 19 characters with their own styles, from first-time beginners to grandmaster strength, plus an adaptive bot and full Stockfish.