One of the best things about LocalChess is something you might never notice: once the page has loaded, you don't need an internet connection to play. Turn on airplane mode and the game keeps working exactly the same. Here's why — and how to make the most of it.
Why it works offline
Most online chess sites send your moves to a server, which then thinks and sends a move back. That means every move needs a round trip over the internet. LocalChess is different: everything runs on your device.
- The board, the rules, and the computer opponent are all plain HTML, CSS, and
JavaScript that download once.
- Your moves are calculated locally — nothing is sent anywhere.
- Your preferences and current game are saved in your browser's storage.
Because there's no server in the loop, there's nothing to wait for and nothing to lose signal to.
Great moments to play offline
- On a flight — no in-flight Wi-Fi required.
- On the subway or a train through tunnels and dead zones.
- On a road trip where mobile data comes and goes.
- At a cabin or campsite far from a signal.
How to set it up
For the smoothest offline experience:
- Open localchess.online once while you still have a connection.
- Let the page finish loading completely.
- Optionally, add it to your home screen — LocalChess is a
Progressive Web App, so it can launch like a native app.
That's it. From then on the game is ready whenever you are.
Privacy comes for free
Running locally has a nice side effect: your games are private. Since moves are never sent to a server, there's no record of your play leaving your device. If you're curious about exactly what is and isn't stored, our Privacy Policy spells it out.
Ready when you are
Offline chess is perfect for turning dead time into practice time. Load up LocalChess before your next trip, pick your favorite board theme, and you'll always have a game in your pocket — signal or not.