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How can I choose my color?
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 month ago

In all rated games on Chess.com, the color is chosen at random!

Although it might feel like you’re getting a lot of games in a row as one color, it will balance out to around 50%. You can check your stats page to see how many games you’ve had with each color, and confirm that it’s about 50% each.

However, if you want to choose your color and practice a specific opening, you can play unrated games. Here's how:


How to choose your color in unrated games

📝 This kind of game may take longer to find a match, because not as many people want to play unrated games!

  • Hover over 'Play' in the left side menu and select 'Play'

  • Click the 'Custom' dropdown

  • Choose your preferred time and game type

  • Untoggle the 'Rated' option

  • After turning off the rated option, you'll be able to pick your color - Choose your color, then click 'Play' to search for a game:

Choosing color in an unrated game on Chess.com

Alternatives to choosing color

Another way to choose your color without waiting for a match is to play against the computer!

📚 Check out this article to learn how to play a bot: How can I play against the Chess.com computer?

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