Many chess websites and apps let you play against a computer opponent of adjustable strength. For example, Chess.com (the “#1 site”) advertises a “Play Computer” mode with customizable training bots. Behind the scenes, Chess.com uses the Komodo engine to power its computer opponents, including famous personality bots (GM-like engines).
Lichess.org and other sites offer similar AI opponents: Lichess provides free Stockfish-based bots at 8 skill levels, while kid-friendly sites like ChessKid.com have fun characters and safe play. You can use a desktop browser or mobile app to connect to these platforms. This article reviews the options (free and paid) for playing computer chess, explains AI difficulty settings and learning features, and offers practical tips to improve your game by practicing with a chess engine.
Popular Chess Platforms (Websites and Apps)
Chess.com (Available Web, iOS, Android)
Chess.com is the largest online chess community. Its Play Computer feature offers 25 difficulty levels and many themed bots. (One forum user notes “you can still play vs computer as always… and you can now play against some newly created personality bots”.) Beginners can select easy levels, while advanced players can challenge GM-level engines. Most basic features are free (with ads), and paid Gold/Platinum/Diamond memberships unlock extra bots and lessons. Besides AI play, Chess.com provides extensive training: thousands of puzzles, interactive lessons, and a post-game analysis board.
Lichess.org (Web, iOS, Android)
Lichess is a completely free, open-source platform sustained by donations. It lets you play against 8 levels of Stockfish (its AI) for free, with no ads or paywalls. The interface is clean and fast, appealing for blitz and bullet practice. Lichess also has built-in analysis tools: after any game you get a free engine evaluation of your moves, plus unlimited tactics puzzles and opening studies. In short, Lichess offers powerful training and AI play at no cost.
ChessKid (Web, iOS, Android)
Designed for children, ChessKid provides a safe, child-friendly environment to play AI chess. It has fun cartoon bots (including “Famous Player” AI models) and levels suitable for young beginners. The site includes guided lessons and puzzles for kids. ChessKid’s base access is free; it emphasizes positive rewards and a moderated community. (A family membership unlocks extra problems and lessons.) This is a great way for younger players to practice moves vs. computer with a gentle learning curve.
SparkChess (Web, PC, iOS/Android)
SparkChess is a simpler game-based platform (and also an app). It lets you play vs. the computer with 5 difficulty levels and provides a “Coach” that suggests moves. Its AI “characters” (Cody, Boris, etc.) simulate human-like play (even making mistakes). SparkChess includes an opening database and basic tutorials. A free version is available online, and paid upgrades unlock advanced multiplayer and remove limits. It’s more of a chess game than a training site, but it’s an accessible way to play AI opponents on any device.
Software and Apps (Desktop & Mobile)
Beyond web sites, many standalone chess programs and apps let you play against engines offline. For example, Stockfish (the strongest open-source engine) runs on PCs and phones. Stockfish apps for iOS/Android offer adjustable strength (by limiting search depth or Elo) so you can match your level.
Similarly, commercial apps like Shredder Chess include selectable levels and built-in hints; Shredder is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile.
A popular free PC program is Lucas Chess. It comes bundled with 57 different engines spanning 0 to 3600 Elo, and you can adjust each engine’s thinking time or style. Lucas Chess also has an extensive training suite: tactics drills, endgame exercises, rating tests, and more.
Another example is the Chess.com and PlayMagnus apps, which bundle various AI opponents and puzzles (some of which may require premium access). In short, you can download an app or program (often free) that runs powerful engines on your device for dedicated practice.
Comparison of Popular Chess Platforms
| Platform | Free/Paid | Devices | AI Difficulty | Training Tools & Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chess.com | Free (ads) + Premium | Web, iOS, Android | 25 Komodo-based levels; named GM bots | Puzzles, video lessons, online lessons, game analysis (engine review). Large community, tournaments. Paid unlocks extra lessons and bots. |
| Lichess | Free (donations) | Web, iOS, Android | 8 Stockfish levels (approx. 1400–3000 Elo) | Unlimited puzzles, interactive lessons (coordinates/drills), studies, Lichess Coach analysis, opening explorer. Everything free. Ad-free. |
| ChessKid | Free / Family Membership | Web, iOS, Android | Kid-level bots, levels up through strong juniors | Kids’ lessons, puzzles, videos, practice drills; safe social features. Designed for children (moderated chat, friendly UI). Solid training for young players; requires parent account; fewer advanced features. |
| SparkChess | Free basic / Premium | Web, Windows, iOS, Android | 5 difficulty levels; AI “mentor/coach” hints | Basic tutorials, PGN import/export, fun 2D/3D boards. Personality bots (e.g. Claire, Boris) with distinct styles. Nice for casual play; lacks deep analysis tools. |
| Lucas Chess | Free download (PC) | Windows (desktop) | ~57 engines with Elo 0–3600; adjustable depth/time | Comprehensive training suite: tactics and endgame puzzles, opening trainers, and skill tests. Excellent for offline training; steep learning curve UI. |
| Stockfish | Free (open-source) | Windows/Mac/Linux/iOS/Android | Adjustable strength via search depth or Elo setting | Analysis board, PGN support (depends on GUI). Can be used as app or within other programs. It’s the world’s strongest public engine, ideal for analysis – not a full learning platform by itself. |
Conclusion
The key is to use the computer as a teacher. Always review your games with the analysis tools, try puzzles and lessons, and challenge yourself gradually. As many experienced players have found, computers will “show you exactly where you went wrong” if you take the time to study your mistakes. With the right platform and mindset, playing chess against a computer can greatly accelerate your learning and help you become a stronger player.