Play against the computer from a custom position
From a position in one of your games
Sometimes, your opponent may resign early, or you might wish you'd made a different move. Here's how you can explore those possibilities:
Web
Open the game you want to start playing against the computer
Click ‘Analysis’ and play through the moves until you reach the position you'd like to explore further
Below the navigation arrows on the analysis page, click the 'Practice vs Computer' icon to start playing from that point against the computer.
If you want to switch sides during the game, click the 'Switch Sides' icon.
The computer defaults to the strongest setting. To change the difficulty, click the 'Change Bot' icon and select from various engine strengths or computer personalities.
Mobile
Open the game you want to play against the computer
Use the arrows to navigate to your desired position
Tap 'More' from the menu at the bottom and select 'Finish vs Computer'
You can tap on the 'Edit' icon next to the Engine's rating to select their strength
💡 Alternatively, you can tap on the 'Analysis' icon > Self Analysis > Options > Finish vs Computer.
From a common opening
If you want to practice a specific opening against the computer, follow these steps:
Hover over 'More' in the left menu, then click ‘Openings’ to find and select the opening you wish to practice.
Inside the opening description, click the 'Practice vs Computer' icon. This will start a game with the computer from the current board position.
If you want to switch sides during the game, click the 'Switch Sides' icon.
From a setup you created
You can create any board setup and play it against the computer:
Web
Hover over 'Learn' and click 'Analysis'
From within the analysis board, click on ‘Set Up Position'
You can now drag and drop pieces onto or off the board to create any position you desire—even unconventional ones. When you're ready, click the 'Practice vs Computer' icon to see how the computer responds to the position you've set up:
Mobile
Tap 'More' from the bottom menu and select 'Analysis'
In the Analysis options, choose 'Set Up Position'
Drag pieces from below the board to arrange your custom setup. When ready, tap the checkmark
Once your position is loaded, tap 'Options' at the bottom and select 'Finish vs Computer'
You can adjust the engine’s strength by tapping the 'Edit' icon next to it.
Just play!
The simplest way to play against the computer is to start a game directly:
Go to ‘Play’ and then ‘Play Bots’ to begin a game against the Chess.com computer. This mode allows you to analyze moves and take back moves as you play.
📚 Check out this article to learn more about playing vs Bots: How can I play against the Chess.com computer?