Frequently asked questions
Everything about playing free online chess on FIKRAGO CHESS — accounts, ratings, rules, clocks and fairness. Something still unclear? Support Fikrago and reach the team.
Playing on FIKRAGO CHESS
＋Is FIKRAGO CHESS free to play?
Yes, FIKRAGO CHESS is completely free — rated online games, the training engine, tactics puzzles, local two-player mode, leaderboards and profiles. The platform is supported by Fikrago.com and optional donations via the Support button.
＋Do I need an account to play?
You can play Training games, puzzles and casual games instantly as a guest, no signup needed. A free account unlocks rated games, Elo rating progression, the leaderboard, stats and game history. Sign-up works with email and password or Continue with Google.
＋How do I play against other people online?
Open the Online section and either press quick pairing to be matched by rating, create a challenge with your chosen time control, or share a challenge code with a friend. Bullet, Blitz and Rapid controls are all supported, rated or casual.
＋Can I play chess against the computer?
Yes. Training mode lets you play against the FIKRAGO engine at four strength levels with unlimited takebacks, hints and instant restarts. Training never affects your rating.
＋Can two people play on the same device?
Yes — Local 2-Player mode is a pass-and-play board with optional clocks and automatic board flipping for face-to-face play.
Rules and fairness
＋Are all the chess rules enforced?
Yes. All moves are validated with the battle-tested chess.js rules engine: castling both sides, en passant, promotion, check, checkmate, stalemate, threefold repetition, the fifty-move rule, insufficient material and agreement draws.
＋What happens if my opponent disconnects?
The server keeps their clock running and shows you a reconnect countdown. If they do not return within the grace period, the game is forfeited on their side — you keep the win and your rating change.
＋Who decides the game result — the browser or the server?
The server decides everything. Moves are validated server-side, clocks are server-authoritative, and results and rating changes are computed on the server. A closed tab or a manipulated browser can never fake a win.
＋What happens if a player runs out of time?
The player whose clock reaches zero loses on time. If the opponent has no mating material left, the game is scored as a draw, following the official rules.
Ratings and accounts
＋What rating do I start with?
Every new account starts at 1200 Elo. Your rating is tracked separately for Bullet, Blitz and Rapid, and your peak rating is stored on your profile.
＋How do ratings change after a game?
Rating changes use the Elo system: beating higher-rated opponents earns more points, losing to lower-rated ones costs more. The exact change is shown on the game-over screen.
＋Can I sign in with Google?
Yes — the Continue with Google button signs you in with your Google account in one click. Email and password sign-up works too, and guests can play instantly without any account.
＋How do I appear on the leaderboard?
Play rated games. The leaderboard ranks players by rating and wins, updates in real time, and highlights your own position.
Platform
＋Does FIKRAGO CHESS work on mobile?
Yes. The whole platform is responsive: drag-and-drop or tap-to-move pieces, live clocks, chat and all game modes work on phones and tablets as well as desktop.
＋Who is behind FIKRAGO CHESS?
FIKRAGO CHESS is built and operated by Fikrago.com. If you enjoy it, the Support Fikrago button links to their PayPal page for optional donations that keep the platform free.