How (and why) to play online chess in Microsoft Edge

Did you know that the game of chess has been around for over 1,500 years? As one of the oldest and most widespread games, chess has been the foundation of countless theories, combinations of play, and tournaments between global competitors and computer programs alike.

Learn how to play this fascinating game in Microsoft Edge, take on an AI opponent of varying difficulties, and hone your cognitive and strategic thinking skills—all while partaking in a grand gaming tradition.

Play chess online with Microsoft Edge’s Games menu

When you select the Games menu in the Microsoft Edge sidebar, you’ll unlock thousands of staff-recommended games that you can play to your heart’s delight, including free online chess. Accessing the Games menu is easy. On the right side of the Microsoft Edge browser, look for the Games icon, which resembles a pair of black and purple chess pieces. If you can’t find the Games icon, select + at the bottom of the sidebar and add it in the Apps section.

Online chess games that you can play for free

Once you search chess in the Games search box, you’ll find Master Chess: the official chess game from Microsoft. When you select Play, it will open directly in a Microsoft Edge tab. Choose to go up against an AI opponent at varying levels of difficulty or real players from all over the world. Learn the rules and moves for each chess piece, and take your game further by getting tips and tricks for how to win in fewer moves. You can even make gameplay into an ongoing learning experience by playing this in-browser chess game while jotting down insights via OneNote in the Edge sidebar.

Why should you play online chess?

Chess is not just one of the oldest and most beloved board games in the world; it’s also one of the most studied. Researchers have analyzed the intellectual challenge that chess presents both to amateurs and grandmasters alike, and they found the following cognitive benefits:

• Prediction and anticipation. Anticipating your opponent’s next move is vital to being successful in chess. Not only do you need to anticipate the immediate next move, but expert players have been able to anticipate as many as ten approaching moves, even predicting how the game might end.
• Memory improvement. Memorizing combinations of moves and their potential outcomes is a key chess strategy. By remembering the moves that you and your opponent have already made, you can also sort out what pieces to use or sacrifice in your next moves. Plus, you might even recognize the moves of a famous tournament game that you can replicate.
• Greater flow state. Flow state may be best known as a phenomenon where players, athletes, and performers who are under immense pressure reach their peak performance. They’re able to focus entirely on the game or performance and eliminate all distractions. You don’t have to be a professional athlete or performer to reach flow! You might experience it when you’re deep in a chess game, too.
• Creative problem-solving. In playing chess, you can surprise your opponent with a well-executed series of moves. Not only are you solving the problem of, say, protecting your king or an important piece, but you can also do so in a way that catches your opponent off guard.
• Protection against dementia. Studies have shown that chess is a proven factor in reducing the chances or symptoms of dementia². This is because the complex mental functions of chess engage the brain in healthy ways, which can also improve memory, calculation, visual-spatial skills, and critical thinking abilities.

Xbox integration with Microsoft Edge

There’s so much more you can play in Microsoft Edge. In addition to all of the free games available in the sidebar Games menu, Microsoft Edge is also tailor-made for online gaming with Xbox integration. You can play the latest blockbuster games with Xbox Cloud Gaming¹ and connect your account to your console for the ultimate online experience. These are just a few reasons Microsoft Edge is the best browser for gaming.

If you’ve never played chess before or you haven’t played in ages, take heart: you can get started right in your Microsoft Edge browser, for free! Try Microsoft Edge today, and rediscover this classic game.