# Chess.com > online chess-playing site **Wikidata**: [Q16829376](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16829376) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess.com) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/chess-com ## Summary Chess.com is an online chess-playing platform founded in 2005 and launched in 2007, offering users the ability to play chess, access tutorials, and participate in tournaments. It is one of the largest and most popular chess websites globally, supporting multiple languages and serving as a hub for both casual and competitive chess players. ## Key Facts - **Founded**: 2005 - **Launched**: May 2007 - **Type**: Online chess-playing site, social networking service, news website - **Country**: United States - **Website**: [https://www.chess.com](https://www.chess.com) (available in over 50 languages) - **Sitelink Count**: 38 (Wikipedia) - **Wikidata Description**: Online chess-playing site - **Instance Of**: Business, social networking service, news website, online platform - **Related Events**: Hosted the FIDE World Fischer Random Chess Championship 2019 - **Identifiers**: - Freebase ID: `/m/063_lsm` - Google Knowledge Graph ID: `/g/121jnq1m` - Library of Congress Authority ID: `sh85018260` (via business classification) - BabelNet ID: `00014137n` - **Aliases**: chess.com - **Connected Platforms**: - Stack Exchange: [https://chess.stackexchange.com/tags/chess.com](https://chess.stackexchange.com/tags/chess.com) - Crowdin (translation): [https://crowdin.com/project/chesscom-mobile](https://crowdin.com/project/chesscom-mobile) - YouTube: `UC5kS0l76kC0xOzMPtOmSFGw` - Reddit: r/business (created September 17, 2007) - **User Base**: Over 1.6 million monthly active users (implied by traffic metrics) - **Features**: - Multiplayer chess games - Chess tutorials and lessons - Tournaments and leaderboards - Social features (friends, clubs, forums) - News and articles on chess - **Technical Details**: - Mobile apps available (iOS, Android) - Supports multiple chess variants (e.g., Fischer Random Chess) - API and developer tools for integration ## FAQs **What is Chess.com?** Chess.com is an online platform dedicated to chess, allowing users to play games, learn strategies, and engage with a global community of players. It combines features of a social network, gaming site, and educational resource. **When was Chess.com founded and launched?** Chess.com was founded in 2005 and officially launched in May 2007. It has since grown into one of the most visited chess websites worldwide. **What languages does Chess.com support?** Chess.com is available in over 50 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and many others, making it accessible to a diverse global audience. **Is Chess.com only for playing chess?** No, Chess.com offers a variety of features beyond playing chess, including tutorials, puzzle challenges, news articles, tournament hosting, and social interaction tools like clubs and forums. **What notable events has Chess.com hosted?** Chess.com hosted the FIDE World Fischer Random Chess Championship in 2019, a prestigious event in the chess world that showcased its role in competitive chess. **How does Chess.com compare to other chess platforms?** Chess.com stands out due to its large user base, multilingual support, comprehensive learning resources, and integration of social features, making it a versatile platform for both beginners and advanced players. **Can I use Chess.com on mobile devices?** Yes, Chess.com offers mobile applications for both iOS and Android, allowing users to play, learn, and interact with the community on the go. **Does Chess.com have a community or social features?** Yes, Chess.com includes social features such as friend lists, clubs, forums, and the ability to follow other players, fostering a sense of community among chess enthusiasts. **What kind of chess content does Chess.com provide?** Chess.com provides a wide range of content, including live and correspondence games, puzzles, video lessons, articles, and news updates about the chess world. **Is Chess.com free to use?** Chess.com offers both free and premium memberships. Free users can access basic features, while premium members gain access to advanced tools, exclusive content, and ad-free experiences. ## Why It Matters Chess.com has revolutionized the way chess is played, learned, and shared globally. By providing a digital platform that combines gaming, education, and social interaction, it has made chess more accessible to millions of people worldwide. Its support for multiple languages and chess variants ensures inclusivity, while its hosting of major tournaments like the FIDE World Fischer Random Chess Championship 2019 underscores its significance in the competitive chess community. Chess.com also serves as a vital resource for chess education, offering tutorials and puzzles that help players improve their skills. Its social features foster a sense of community, connecting players from diverse backgrounds and skill levels. In an era where digital platforms dominate entertainment and education, Chess.com stands out as a leader in promoting strategic thinking, intellectual engagement, and global connectivity through the timeless game of chess. ## Notable For - **Global Reach**: Available in over 50 languages, making it one of the most accessible chess platforms worldwide. - **Large User Base**: One of the most visited chess websites, with millions of active users. - **Hosting Major Tournaments**: Organized the FIDE World Fischer Random Chess Championship 2019, a significant event in the chess world. - **Comprehensive Learning Resources**: Offers tutorials, puzzles, and video lessons for players of all skill levels. - **Social Integration**: Combines chess gameplay with social features like clubs, forums, and friend lists. - **Multiplatform Access**: Available on web and mobile (iOS and Android), ensuring users can play anytime, anywhere. - **Support for Chess Variants**: Includes popular variants like Fischer Random Chess, catering to diverse player preferences. - **Community Engagement**: Actively fosters a global community of chess enthusiasts through interactive features. - **Educational Impact**: Serves as a key resource for chess education, helping players improve their strategic thinking and game skills. - **Innovative Features**: Continuously updates with new tools, such as advanced analytics and AI-powered opponents. - **Partnerships and Collaborations**: Works with chess organizations and influencers to promote the game and host events. - **Accessibility**: Free tier allows anyone to start playing and learning chess without financial barriers. - **Cultural Influence**: Contributes to the global popularity and modernization of chess as both a sport and a pastime. ## Body ### History and Founding Chess.com was founded in 2005 by Erik Allebest and Jay Severson, with the platform officially launching in May 2007. The site was created to provide a comprehensive online destination for chess players, combining gameplay, learning, and community features. Since its inception, Chess.com has grown exponentially, becoming one of the most popular chess platforms globally. ### Platform and Features Chess.com operates as an online chess-playing site, offering a wide range of features designed to cater to players of all skill levels. Key features include: - **Gameplay Modes**: Users can engage in live games, correspondence games (with longer time controls), and computer-based matches. - **Learning Tools**: The platform provides tutorials, puzzle challenges, and video lessons to help players improve their skills. - **Tournaments**: Chess.com hosts regular tournaments, including official events like the FIDE World Fischer Random Chess Championship 2019. - **Social Features**: Players can join clubs, participate in forums, add friends, and follow other users, fostering a sense of community. - **News and Articles**: The site publishes news, analysis, and articles related to the chess world, keeping users informed about major events and trends. ### Multilingual Support One of Chess.com’s standout features is its support for over 50 languages, making it accessible to a global audience. The platform is available in languages such as English, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and many others. This multilingual approach ensures that users from diverse linguistic backgrounds can enjoy the platform in their native language. ### Technical Infrastructure Chess.com is built on a robust technical infrastructure that supports its large user base and diverse features. The platform is accessible via web browsers and mobile applications for iOS and Android. It also offers APIs and developer tools, allowing for integration with other applications and services. The site’s design emphasizes user experience, with intuitive interfaces for gameplay, learning, and social interaction. ### Community and Social Features Chess.com places a strong emphasis on community building. Users can create or join clubs, participate in forums, and interact with other players through friend lists and messaging. The platform also supports team matches and group tournaments, encouraging collaboration and competition among users. These social features help create a vibrant and engaged community of chess enthusiasts. ### Educational Resources Chess.com is a valuable resource for chess education, offering a variety of tools to help players improve their skills. These include: - **Puzzle Challenges**: Daily and themed puzzles that test tactical and strategic thinking. - **Video Lessons**: Instructional videos covering openings, endgames, and advanced strategies. - **Interactive Tutorials**: Step-by-step guides for beginners and intermediate players. - **Game Analysis**: Tools to review and analyze past games, identifying strengths and weaknesses. ### Tournaments and Competitive Play Chess.com is a major hub for competitive chess, hosting a wide range of tournaments for players of all levels. These include: - **Official Tournaments**: Such as the FIDE World Fischer Random Chess Championship 2019, which showcased the platform’s role in high-level competitive chess. - **Daily and Weekly Tournaments**: Regular events with various time controls and formats. - **Team Matches**: Competitions between clubs or groups of players. - **Leaderboards**: Rankings that track player performance and progress. ### Chess Variants In addition to standard chess, Chess.com supports several popular variants, including: - **Fischer Random Chess (Chess960)**: A variant where the starting position of the pieces is randomized, requiring players to rely on skill rather than memorized openings. - **Bughouse**: A team-based variant where captured pieces can be passed to a teammate. - **Crazyhouse**: A variant where captured pieces can be dropped back onto the board. - **Three-Check**: A game where the objective is to check the opponent’s king three times. ### Mobile and Cross-Platform Access Chess.com’s mobile applications for iOS and Android allow users to play, learn, and interact with the community on the go. The mobile apps offer the same core features as the web platform, including live games, puzzles, and social tools. This cross-platform accessibility ensures that users can engage with Chess.com anytime, anywhere. ### Partnerships and Collaborations Chess.com has established partnerships with various chess organizations, influencers, and content creators to promote the game and host events. These collaborations help expand the platform’s reach and enhance its offerings, such as exclusive content, sponsored tournaments, and educational initiatives. ### User Base and Traffic Chess.com boasts a large and active user base, with millions of players engaging with the platform monthly. The site’s traffic metrics indicate significant global reach, with users from diverse regions and backgrounds. This widespread adoption highlights Chess.com’s role as a leading destination for online chess. ### Impact on Chess Popularity Chess.com has played a significant role in popularizing chess, particularly among younger audiences. Its accessible platform, educational resources, and social features have made the game more appealing and engaging. The site’s influence extends to both casual players and competitive enthusiasts, contributing to the global growth of chess as a sport and pastime. ### Future Developments Chess.com continues to innovate, regularly updating its platform with new features, tools, and content. Future developments may include advanced AI opponents, enhanced analytics, and expanded educational resources. The platform’s commitment to improvement ensures that it remains at the forefront of online chess. ### Related Entities - **FIDE World Fischer Random Chess Championship 2019**: A major tournament hosted on Chess.com, showcasing its role in competitive chess. - **Business Classification**: Chess.com is classified as a business entity, reflecting its commercial and organizational structure. - **Social Networking Service**: The platform’s social features align it with other online communities and networking sites. - **News Website**: Chess.com’s publication of chess-related news and articles categorizes it as a news platform within its niche. ### Technical Identifiers Chess.com is associated with several technical identifiers and platforms, including: - **Freebase ID**: `/m/063_lsm` - **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: `/g/121jnq1m` - **Library of Congress Authority ID**: `sh85018260` (via its classification as a business) - **BabelNet ID**: `00014137n` - **YouTube Channel**: `UC5kS0l76kC0xOzMPtOmSFGw` - **Crowdin Translation Project**: [https://crowdin.com/project/chesscom-mobile](https://crowdin.com/project/chesscom-mobile) - **Stack Exchange Tag**: [https://chess.stackexchange.com/tags/chess.com](https://chess.stackexchange.com/tags/chess.com) ### Conclusion Chess.com has established itself as a leader in the online chess space, offering a comprehensive platform that combines gameplay, education, and community. Its global reach, multilingual support, and innovative features have made it a vital resource for chess players of all levels. As the platform continues to evolve, it remains a key player in promoting and advancing the game of chess worldwide. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.chess.com/about) 2. [Alexa Internet](https://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/chess.com/) 3. YouTube API 4. [Chess.com Company Culture | Comparably](https://www.comparably.com/companies/chess-com) 5. [Internet Domains Wikibase](https://domains.wikibase.cloud/entity/Q164642)