Create a private game
Open the friend game page and choose the time control you want to use.
Private chess games in your browser
Play Chess Online With Friends
Create a private chess game on CHESSVOLA and invite a friend to play online. Choose your time control, create the game, share the invitation link, and start playing directly in your browser.
Sign in is required to create or join a private game.
How to play chess with a friend online
Starting a private game takes only a few steps. You and your friend can open CHESSVOLA from different devices and join the same chess game through the invitation you share.
Get your invitation
CHESSVOLA creates the game and gives you a unique invitation link to share.
Send it to your friend
Share the invitation through any messaging app, email, or another channel you prefer.
Start playing
Once your friend joins, both players can open the board and play the private match.
Private chess games on CHESSVOLA
A friend game is separate from random matchmaking. Instead of waiting for an unknown opponent, you create a private match for someone you already know. The invitation belongs to that game, so your friend can use it to join the same board.
This mode is useful for casual games, practice sessions, rematches, or simply playing chess online with a friend who is somewhere else. When you want to face another player through matchmaking, use rated online chess instead.
Choose your chess time control
Private games support several time controls, from quick one-minute games to longer thirty-minute sessions. Pick a pace that suits both players before creating the game.
1 min
3 min
5 min
10 min
15+10
30 min
Play chess directly in your browser
You do not need to install a chess program to start a private match. Open CHESSVOLA in a modern browser, create the game, and send the invitation to your friend. The game can be opened from a computer or phone, making it easy to play when you are not in the same place.
If you want to practice alone first, you can play chess against the computer without signing in. You can also improve your tactical vision with chess puzzles.
Other ways to play and practice chess
CHESSVOLA gives you several ways to play, practice, and follow your progress.
Rated online chess
Enter matchmaking and play a rated game against another player.
Play the computer
Practice against the computer with selectable difficulty and time controls.
Chess puzzles
Train checkmates, combinations, and tactical calculation.
Chess ratings
See player ELO ratings, wins, games, and leaderboard positions.
Playing chess with friends: common questions
Can I play chess online with a friend for free?
Yes. CHESSVOLA lets you create a private chess game and invite a friend without paying for the match.
How does my friend join the chess game?
Create a private game and send the invitation link. Your friend can open that invitation and join the same game.
Is a private friend game the same as rated matchmaking?
No. Friend games are private matches for invited players. Rated matchmaking is a separate mode for finding an opponent online.