Play chess with a friend by email link
A Chess Game That Lives As A Link
Correspondence chess with your friends by a simple email link, a private chessboard link for every player. LinkChess is free. Play directly from the email link, or sign in with your email to create a new chess game, and view or play all your current games. You can also play random players from all over the world with public play.
The video stays unloaded until you press play. It then plays here on the page.
Sign in
By logging in you can create a new game, and view or play all your current games. Enter your email. We send a link you click to confirm.
How it works
- Sign in with your email. LinkChess sends a link you click. That sign-in is for creating a game, or for playing from your signed-in list of games.
- Enter your friend's email. Each player gets a private chessboard link. LinkChess emails the invitation.
- Your friend opens their link. The board appears, and they move from that link. They do not sign in. When it is your turn, LinkChess emails you a notice. How to enter a move.
On the game page you can also send the other player a text message. They get an email when you post it.
Questions
Is LinkChess free?
Yes. LinkChess is free.
Does my friend need an account?
No. An invited player only opens the game link in the email. The board appears, and they move from that link. They do not do a magic sign-in. Magic-link email sign-in is only for creating a game or playing from the signed-in game list.
How do I know it is my turn?
LinkChess sends a turn notice to the email address for that game.
Can I message the other player?
Yes. On the game page you can write a text message to the other player. LinkChess emails them when you post it, so you can have a conversation or remind them it is their move. Messages are text only.
How long do games last?
Games, moves, messages, and mail are deleted after 60 days. The lifetime game count and Elo rating for each email are kept.
Can I play chess online with a friend?
Yes. You play in your web browser, one move at a time, from the private link. See what correspondence chess is and long-distance chess with family and friends.
Can I play someone I do not already know?
Yes. Public play lists games that are waiting for an opponent. Sign in, then post a public game or join one from the list. You play White when you post, and Black when you join. You can have one public game still waiting, and up to 5 public games in play. A game you start by emailing a friend is separate, and those invited games are not limited. How public games work.
What happens if I resign?
On your turn, Resign asks you to confirm. If you confirm, the game ends immediately and your opponent wins. Elo ratings starting at 1200 go down for you and up for them. LinkChess emails them. The message says you resigned and they won, and it includes the result, their new rating, and a link to their board. A public game that is still waiting for an opponent cannot be resigned.
Do I have to choose a country?
No. Country is purely optional. If you set one, it is shown next to your name on the game page so the other player can see where you play from. You can leave it blank. You can change it later with Your country on the game page.