Nowadays, playing chess with people from other countries would not require you to join International competitions. In fact, you can do so within the comforts of your own home! You can have an opponent from virtually any country that you please. This is all thanks to the wonders of technology and of course, the Internet.
There are a lot of chess websites in which you can battle with people from all over the world. Before, chess was battled out through email, but now, your battle can be done in real time! Just as if you are competing with another person in front of you, only that you've got the computer screen in front of you, instead.
Play chess programs online vary from serious ones to casual ones. Some are only for those with high chess skills, some for those looking for a fun game, while some are for both. Here are some of the top Chess sites online that you can visit and play in.
For The Pros: Chess Maniac
This serious site offers two kinds of games which you can choose to play. You can choose to have an online standard game or an email correspondence game. Plus, for you to be called a serious member to earn ratings, you would have to complete five games first before the site can accredit you.
For The Pros: Gameknot
If you ware looking for a serious game in which you do not want to have interaction with your opponent and have the liberty to take your turn only during the time that you want to, then this is the ultimate site for you!
For The Pros: Chessplay.com
This site has their own software to offer. The good thing here is that their software is stable, plus its spyware free. It offers games for different levels 24/7, where you can compete with players coming from different countries all over the world. However, this is a paying site. Looking for games here is easy, although with a minimal cost.
Just For Fun: Flyordie.com
This extremely modern site offers real time chess games. However, the site has too much advertising that can be quite distracting if you are the serious kind of player. Plus, the mentality of most players here is not what you would expect when you are looking for a serious game. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a simple chess game and some social interaction, then this is the site to go for. The layout has a very modern touch that would be very appealing to young players.
Just For Fun: MSN Games
This site offers a variety of online games, including chess. However, most users on the site would also want to chat. For children or younger players, the learning room would be just fine, but for those experts, the expert room may not quite match your standards. The site layout is very easy on your eyes. Game play here is also pretty good, although what makes it fall a few steps back is the mentality of the users themselves. The site offers a stable game, that you can be sure is safe and virus free.
The player ratings here should not be taken seriously, because most players simply win through default, especially when their opponent gets cut off, or simply quit on the game.
Just For Fun: Pogo Games
This site is one good alternative for Yahoo and MSN, since it is not that populated. It offers the same choices and opportunities. It also has a pretty simple layout that even beginners could follow. However, just the same, ratings here are not to be trusted just like in other fun sites.
Just For Fun: Yahoo games
This site is probably the most populated of all gaming sites that offer chess. Although it could be an advantage since you can get an opponent anytime of the day that you want to play, again most players want to chat and ratings are not to be trusted.
How To Play
Most sites would have similar formats once you enter the gaming arena. It would usually look like a chat room in which all players are listed there. You would usually see an indicator if a player is currently having a game with another. There is also an indicator of that players ranking, and other information such as wins and losses.
To start playing, you would usually have to create a game or a table, and wait for another player to sit or play on that game of yours. On the other hand, you can also be the one to join a waiting players game. Once you have an opponent, a new screen would usually pop in which you can see your board; and there you have it, let the games begin!
