2v2 chess · free and open source
Chess is better
with friends.
Two teams, one board. You and your partner take turns making your team's moves, with no huddles and no take-backs. It's part strategy, part trust, and a lot of laughing at moves you never would have made.
No account needed. Share a link and you are playing.
How a relay game works
Gather your people
Make a room and drop the link in the group chat. Two per side is the classic setup.
Take turns, no huddles
Teammates alternate your side's moves in seat order. You see every move your partner makes, never their plan.
Win or lose together
Checkmate, resignation or the clock: the whole team shares the result, and the post-game banter.
Pick how you want to play
Every option is free, and nobody needs an account.
Private room
Make a room, send the link to your group chat, and everyone picks a side. Two a side is classic, but anywhere from 1 to 4 per team works.
- No account needed, friends join as guests
- Swap teams and pick the clock before the first move
- Rematch with colors switched in one click
Bring a partner
Team up with a friend, then get matched against another pair.
Quick match
Hop in the public queue and we'll seat you with three others. Some hours it's quiet, so a private room is the sure bet.
Born at game night.
Relay Chess started with four friends, one board, and a lot of groaning at a partner's “creative” moves. We built it so that game night works from anywhere. It's free, there are no ads, and the code is open, so it sticks around for as long as people want to play.