8 Best Chess.com Alternatives in 2026 (Free & No Signup)
The best Chess.com alternatives compared: Lichess, SparkChess, FICS and more. Which are genuinely free, which need an account, and which work offline.
Guide — Chess Guides
12 free chess guides tagged “Guide” — read them all on LocalChess, then practice on the free board.
Lichess vs Chess.com: Which Should You Use in 2026?
Lichess vs Chess.com compared: what each gives you free, what sits behind a paywall, player pool, analysis, and which one fits how you actually play.
How to Read Chess Notation: Algebraic Notation Explained
Learn to read and write algebraic chess notation: piece letters, captures, check, castling, promotion, and PGN — with a full worked example game.
How to Analyze Your Chess Games to Improve
Stop repeating the same mistakes. A two-stage method for reviewing your games — yourself first, engine second — and how to spot the pattern costing you rating.
King and Queen Checkmate: How to Mate with a Lone Queen
Learn how to deliver the King and Queen checkmate step-by-step. Master the 'knight's distance' boxing method and avoid stalemates to win every time.
King and Rook Checkmate: The Box Method Explained
Master the King and Rook checkmate using the Box Method. Our easy-to-follow guide will teach you how to restrict the enemy king and deliver mate.
How to Play Chess Online: A Guide for New Players
How to start playing chess online — bots vs humans, ratings, time controls, and how to play a friend with no account at all using a shared link.
How to Play Chess Against the Computer: Tips to Win
Beat the bot by playing to its blind spots — what chess engines calculate well, where their search runs out, and the strategies that beat a computer.
Chess Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts of OTB Chess
Transitioning to over-the-board (OTB) chess? Master the essential rules of chess etiquette, from the touch-move rule to proper sportsmanship.
How Chess Ratings Work: Elo System Explained
Ever wondered how chess ratings work? Learn how the Elo rating system measures player strength, calculates points, and ranks players worldwide.
Chess for Kids: How to Teach Children to Play Chess
Want to teach your child chess? Discover fun, engaging, and effective methods to introduce kids to chess rules, board setup, and basic tactics.
Play Chess Offline: How LocalChess Works Without Internet
No signal, no problem. LocalChess caches the whole game to your device, so the board and engine keep working on a plane, a train, or anywhere with no signal.