Play Chess Online
Join a vibrant community of chess players. From beginners to experts, find your match and engage in casual games, tournaments or team play.
What is Red Hot Pawn Chess?
Not only a great platform for online chess, but a large and active chess community.
Est. 2001 - 23 years of online chess
Daily Chess
Rather than complete a game in one session, play chess at your own pace by playing our correspondence style game. Receive optional move notifications by email.
A Chess Community
Leaderboards, ladders, chess clubs, public forums, blogs and private messaging - there are multiple ways you can learn, interact and compete with other players.
Team Play
Join a chess 'clan' and challenge rival clans in competitive team matches to battle for position in the clan leaderboard.
Chess Tournaments
Regularly scheduled open tournaments where you can test your mettle against players worldwide. Or join a club to play tournaments exclusively for club members.
And More...
Play live chess, with variant support. Or practice unrated games against an AI. Study openings, puzzles or the vast games explorer to improve your game.
Some features are not available to standard members
Play Chess Anywhere, Anytime
Enjoy chess on your terms
With our seamless platform, play on your desktop, tablet, or mobile. No boards to set up, no pieces to lose. Unadulterated stress free chess. Your next move is always just a tap away.
Sign up on the web or scan to get the app for your device.
What People Are Saying
I've used RedHotPawn for 10+ years and this app is a great extension from the website. Controls are easy to use, plenty of different options for customization of appearance, and choices for how long you want to allow on moves so you can partner with a player who plays at a similar pace.
Definitely the best chess app for online play. Easily the slickest and best chess app I've used, with lots of regular updates to improve the ui and features.
Best laid back chess game. This app is definitely for people that like to play at a slower pace. I enjoy chess but I also have a busy life. This allows me to come back and place my piece when I'm ready. Definitely enjoy this a lot.
I've been using this app for years top notch the best out there.
This app got me playing chess after a break of about 30 years.
Outstanding chess site. Best I've played on. Loaded with players at every level. A chess enthusiasts' dream site.
Common Questions
When I complete games, will I have a rating?
After joining each player has a provisional rating until 20 rated games have been completed. Once your rating is established your rating will update as rated games are completed. Rating calculation details can be found in the site FAQ.
Can I play other players of my level?
Are chess engines permitted on this platform?
Do I need the app to play on my tablet or phone?
Ready to play online chess for free?
We will choose your introductory opponents to you get started right away. Sign up to start your chess playing journey.