Play chess with friends — invite by link, 6-digit code or QR

Create 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.

Updated 28 October 2026 · 2 min read

You can play a friend in about ten seconds, and they don't need an account.

Invite by link, code or QR

1. Open Play a friend.
2. Pick a time control (1 minute to 30 minutes, or no clock) and your colour (White, Black or random).
3. Press Create game and invite. You get three ways to share:
   • a link to send in any chat,
   • a 6-digit code to read out loud — your friend types it on the same page,
   • a QR code to scan with a phone camera.

The game starts as soon as your friend opens it.

During the game

• Clocks are kept by the server, so both players see the same time. They start once both sides have made their first move.
• Offer a draw, resign, or abort before the second move.
• If your friend disconnects, they have a minute to come back; after that you can claim the win or call it a draw.
• After the game: Rematch (colours swap), free Game Review, or analysis.

Friends and challenges (free account)

With an account you choose a unique @handle. Then you can:

• search players by @handle or name,
• send and accept friend requests,
• see which friends are online,
• challenge anyone by @handle — they get a notification and can accept with one tap,
• add your opponent as a friend right after a game.

See Accounts, friends and privacy for how handles work.

Play a friend →