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

Red Hot Pawn Chess Logo
Daily 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

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

Team Play

Join a chess 'clan' and challenge rival clans in competitive team matches to battle for position in the clan leaderboard.

Chess Tournaments

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...

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

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.

Visit App Store

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.
A Google user
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.
An Apple user
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.
A Google user
I've been using this app for years top notch the best out there.
An Apple user
This app got me playing chess after a break of about 30 years.
A Google user
Outstanding chess site. Best I've played on. Loaded with players at every level. A chess enthusiasts' dream site.
A Facebook user

Common Questions

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.

Once a rating has been established then you can easily challenge or restrict your games to other players at your level. Regular tournaments are offered to satisfy all abilities.

Chess engines are strictly prohibited and players deemed to be cheating will be removed.

This web site can be used on your mobile phone. If you install an app you can receive further move notifications on your device rather than email, although the apps do not contain all web site features. You can use both the app and website concurrently.

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.

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