Play Chess Online

Free Internet Chess Services

• FICS - Free Internet Chess Server - Used to be very popular, a separate graphical interface is required
• InstantChess - Very basic, no sign-up necessary
• Chessmaniak - Way too much advertising, difficult site navigation
• Chessville - Simple but good web interface, lots of good players!
• FlyOrDie - Possibly the worst way to play chess online

Subscription-Based Internet Chess Services

• Internet Chess Club - Most popular internet club, but why paying if you can play for free on other sites?
• playchess.com - Purchasing a Chessbase product typically includes a one year subscription