Conditional moves
Conditional moves allow you to pre-program specific future moves that will be automatically played if your opponent makes a predicted move.
They function similarly to pre-moves in Live Chess, but with a crucial difference: while pre-moves are played regardless of your opponent’s response, conditional moves are executed only if your opponent makes the exact move you anticipated.
Check out this article to learn more about pre-moves: What are pre-moves and how do they work?
When should I use conditional moves?
Conditional moves are a great way to save time in positions where the next few moves are predictable - especially during exchanges or combinations where one player's moves are forced, such as an unavoidable checkmate sequence!
How to set up conditional moves
Web
On your daily game, click the 'Conditional moves' button under the moves list on the right-side panel. This button will only appear during your opponent’s turn.
On the board, enter the move you expect your opponent to make (e.g., 'IF Black plays e5...'). This move becomes the condition for your response. After setting the condition, input your move in response (e.g., '...THEN I play f4'). If your opponent plays the predicted move, your response will automatically be played
Your conditional moves are saved automatically. If you change your mind, you can delete a move sequence by clicking the ‘X’ next to it
You can set up multiple conditional move lines to prepare for different scenarios by clicking on 'New Line.' For example: 'If Black plays 1...e5, I play 2. f4,' or 'If Black plays 1...e6, I play 2. d4.'
When you're done, click the green 'Exit' button to save all lines and return to the game board. You can see your conditional moves have been saved by the asterisk on the 'Conditional Moves' button:
Mobile
Conditional moves are currently only available on the Andriod Chess.com app.
Tap 'Options' at the bottom of the game screen and select 'Conditional Moves.' A board will appear displaying the current moves. Use this board to anticipate your
opponent's moves and plan your responses:
Use the tools at the bottom of the screen to manage your conditional moves:
Add Line: Create a new conditional sequence.
Delete Line: Remove a sequence if you change your mind.
Confirm: Save your planned conditional moves.
Once your conditional moves are saved, an asterisk (*) will appear on the 'Options' menu, indicating that your moves are set.
