SLOW ROADcalm browser games

Chess · Lichess.org (non-profit) · 2010

Lichess

A free, open-source chess site run as a charity. Daily puzzles, lessons and games against people or the computer, with no adverts at all.

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Official site, new tab. We earn nothing from the link.

Lichess, our illustrationSCORE4.5

Scenic route

  1. A visitPuzzles take a minute; games 5 minutes to an hour.
  2. Pull over atAfter a puzzle or a game. Slow 'correspondence' games can wait days.
  3. CostsFree. A non-profit with no adverts.
  4. AdvertsNone
  5. AccountOptional, needed to play rated games
  6. Other playersOptional chat with opponents; can be switched off
  7. Our age8+. No violence. Online opponents; chat can be disabled in settings.

What you do

Solve chess puzzles, learn with free lessons, or play against the computer or people at any speed.

Who it suits

Anyone learning or loving chess. Kids' mode turns off chat for younger players.

The journey

  1. First visit

    Try the daily puzzle or the beginner lessons without signing up.

  2. Getting hooked

    Slow games and puzzle streaks build a calm habit.

  3. When to stop

    Choose correspondence games: you make a move a day, so there is no long session.

Smooth road

  • Completely free, no adverts
  • Great for learning
  • Kids' mode

Potholes

  • Fast games are not calm
  • Online opponents vary

The score

CalmNo pressure, no shouting.3.9
CharmLook, sound and small touches.4.2
BrainSomething for the mind to do.5.0
Fair to youAdverts, accounts, easy to stop.5.0

Overall 4.5 out of 5 · how we score

At the end of the road

The kindest chess site there is. Play a puzzle a day.

Played on a computer and a phone, checked on 26 October 2026.