Playing chess with someone sitting next to you should be easy, but on a phone it often is not. Most chess apps want an account, an internet connection, or both. And if you use a normal board app for two players, one of you ends up reading the pieces upside down. Chess Pass and Play solves exactly that problem. It is a free website made only for two people sharing one device, and it flips the board after every move.
This guide explains how it works, how to set up a game, what the settings do and a few tips for playing over one screen.
 |
| Chess Pass and Play on a computer: player clocks on the left, move history on the right. |
What "pass and play" means in chess
Pass and play means two people share the same device instead of playing over a network. You make your move, then physically pass the phone or tablet to your opponent. It recreates the feel of sitting across a real chessboard without needing two phones, two accounts or an internet connection. It is ideal for travel, cafes, waiting rooms and teaching a child to play.
Key features
- The board flips automatically. After each move the board turns 180° so the next player always sees their own pieces at the bottom.
- A pass screen between turns. By default a "Pass to Player 2" screen appears after each move and pauses the clock while the device changes hands. You can turn it off in Settings if you would rather keep playing straight away.
- Face to Face mode. On a phone or tablet you can lay the device flat between you instead. Player 1 stays at the bottom and the top player's pieces turn to face them, so nobody has to pass anything.
- A built-in chess clock. Choose 1, 3, 5 or 10 minutes per player, or play without a clock. You can also add a 2 or 5 second increment after every move.
- Works offline. Once the page has loaded, it runs entirely on your device, so it keeps working on a plane or anywhere without Wi-Fi.
- Your game is saved. Every move is stored on your device, so you can close the tab and carry on later.
- Move hints. Tap a piece and its legal moves light up, which helps beginners.
- No sign-up. The site says there is no account, no subscription and no ads.
 |
| On a phone the controls sit under the board, with each player's clock above and below it. |
How to start a game
- Open the site on your phone, tablet or computer. There is nothing to install.
- Tap Setup. Enter both players' names, choose a time control and decide who plays White (or let the site pick at random).
- Choose a playing style: Passing Device (the board flips every turn) or Face to Face (the device stays flat on the table).
- Press Start Game. White taps a piece, sees its legal squares light up and taps the destination.
- Pass the device. Player 2 taps to confirm they are ready, the board flips and their clock starts.
- Play on until checkmate. Use Undo to take back a slip, offer a Draw, or Resign if the position is lost.
The settings worth knowing
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Time control | 1, 3, 5 or 10 minutes each, or unlimited |
| Increment | Adds 0, 2 or 5 seconds after every move |
| Playing style | Passing Device or Face to Face |
| Board theme | Classic, Tournament, Ice or Slate |
| Coordinates | Shows the a to h files and 1 to 8 ranks |
| Evaluation bar | Shows who is ahead in material |
| Pass Device screen | Pauses between moves so the device can change hands |
There is also a dark and a light mode, and on a computer you can play with the keyboard: arrow keys to move around the board, Space or Enter to select, U to undo and S for settings.
Tips for a good game on one screen
- Pick a clock that suits the mood. Five minutes each is quick and fun. For teaching, switch the clock off so nobody feels rushed.
- Use Face to Face on a table. It saves passing the phone back and forth and feels more like a real board.
- Agree on take-backs first. Undo is there for genuine slips. Decide before the game whether you allow it, especially in a serious match.
- Teach with move hints. Let a new player tap each piece to see where it can go. It is a painless way to learn how the knight and bishop move.
- Add it to your home screen. It then opens like an app and is ready for the next trip.
Want to play the computer instead?
The website is only for two people on one device. To play against AI, the Chess Pass & Play Android app adds Easy, Medium and Hard computer opponents and still works offline. You can also play the bots on SuperChess, which we cover in our SuperChess guide, or the chess game in the Pass and Play Games collection, which has many other two-player games as well.
Frequently asked questions
Can two people play chess on the same phone?
Yes. That is exactly what Chess Pass and Play is built for. One player moves, passes the phone, and the board flips for the other player.
Does it work without internet?
Yes. After the page loads once, it works completely offline.
Does it work on iPhone and iPad?
Yes. It runs in the browser on iPhone, iPad, Android, laptops and desktops.
Is there a chess clock?
Yes: 1, 3, 5 or 10 minutes per player, or no clock, with an optional 2 or 5 second increment.
Is my game saved if I close the page?
Yes. Moves are saved on your device as you play, so you can pick up where you left off.
Disclosure: Chess Pass and Play is made by the same small team that runs this blog.
Comments
Post a Comment