Setting up a free chess account takes about five minutes and six easy steps: open the website, find "Sign up", pick a username, choose a password, confirm your email, and start a game. You don't need to be good with computers, and you never need to pay. Here's exactly how to do it.
This is part of our complete guide to returning to chess after decades away. If you're not sure which site to pick, see Lichess vs Chess.com for returning players.
Do you even need an account?
Not always. If you only want to play against the computer, Lichess lets you do that without signing up. Look for "Play with the computer" and choose the lowest level. You only need an account to play real people, save your games, and have a rating.
Six easy steps
- Open the website. Type lichess.org (or chess.com) into the address bar at the very top of your web browser, then press Enter
- Find "Sign up". It's usually in the top-right corner. On some pages it may say "Register" instead. Click it
- Pick a username. Choose something friendly that isn't your real name, for example "SlowKnight" or "GardenBishop"
- Choose a password. Write it in a notebook you keep safe at home, and don't reuse your email or bank password
- Confirm your email. You may be sent a message with a link to click. Check your junk folder if you can't see it
- Start a game. Look for "Play", choose Rapid (ten minutes or more per player), and let the site find you an opponent
Tips to make your first game easier
- Choose a slow time limit so you have time to think. See Rapid, Blitz, Bullet, and Daily explained
- Don't worry about your rating. It settles after a few games. More in how chess ratings work
- Remember that once you've made a move online, it's final. There's no taking it back
- Say "good game" at the end, then move on to the next one
Stay safe and comfortable
- You never need to pay to follow our plan. If a pop-up asks you to subscribe, you can close it
- Keep personal details private. Don't share your address, phone number, or financial information with anyone you meet through a game
- Be wary of unexpected messages from strangers, especially anything asking for money or personal details. Ignore them, and block anyone from their profile
- Both sites let you restrict or switch off chat in the settings if you'd rather not receive messages
For more, see how to play chess online safely.
Stuck? Ask for a hand
A child, grandchild, neighbour, or friend can often set up an account in a few minutes. After that, you can enjoy it on your own.
Websites change
Buttons are sometimes renamed or moved. If something looks different from our description, look for the closest match. The basic steps stay the same.
Want help beyond the account?
Back To Chess: The 30-Day Comeback Plan includes this exact walkthrough with a safety guide, plus a day-by-day plan that eases you into your first online games. It's £3.47, with no subscription and no pressure.
Or take the free Chess Openings Quiz to find an opening to try in your first game.
