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How can I choose my color?

In rated games, your color is always random, but you can choose your color in unrated games. Learn how to do it here.

Updated over a week ago

Unrated games

In all rated games on Chess.com, colors are assigned randomly to keep play fair.

However, if you want to choose your color — for example, to practice a specific opening — you can do so by playing unrated games. Here’s how:

  1. Hover over 'Play' in the left side menu and select 'Play.'

  2. Click the 'Custom' dropdown.

  3. Choose your preferred time and game type.

  4. Turn off the 'Rated' toggle to see the option to pick your color!

  5. After choosing your color, click 'Play' to search for a match.

A GIF showing the path to chose your color in an unrated game on Chess.com

Finding an opponent might take a little longer, as fewer players choose to play unrated games.


FAQs

  • Why am I getting the same color repeatedly?

    While it can sometimes feel like you're getting one color more often, over time it balances out to about 50% for each color.

    You can check your Stats page to see your color distribution across games.

    An image showing NM Sam Copeland's stats on Chess.com
  • I don't want to wait for a match—what are my options?

    You can play against one of our bots! When you play a bot, you can choose your color and select different personalities and ratings. This is a great way to practice without the wait!

Check out this article to learn how to play against the Bots: How can I play against the Chess.com bots?

  • Can I choose my color in Daily Games?

    Yes, as long as they're unrated!

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