Lichess

Pros

• Fast
• Lightweight
• Encourages play against other human gamers
• Easy to pick up and start playing

Cons

• Looks outdated
• May occasionally disconnect due to networking issues

Lichess is an open-source network chess client that connects to a server of the same name. Players can log into their chess accounts and play several different variants with real people. While many players might be interested in practicing against bots who are equipped with deep thinking technology and opening books, the real focus here is on the ability to play against live individuals.

Like most chess servers, Lichess sorts players based on their ELO rank. If you've never played before, then the game will give you a relatively neutral rating at first. Over time, your rating may appreciate until you've proven your actual skill level. At that point, the Lichess client will start to pair you with players who have more or less the same level of ability as you do.

That means you'll be free to find a regular supply of new players to challenge yourself against. Over time, your skills might improve and Lichess will compensate by fine-tuning your ELO rating and positioning you against opposition that shares your particular play style.

Several safeguards are in place to prevent cheating and ensure that individuals playing other people through the server aren't using stockfish or other PC-based chess engines. As a result, long-term serious chess players usually turn to the client when they want to be sure that they're playing a fair game without anyone manipulating the outcome.

Best of all, the basic interface that Lichess presents gamers with is quite lightweight, so there's not much to get in the way of just getting into a good game of chess.

Pros

• Fast
• Lightweight
• Encourages play against other human gamers
• Easy to pick up and start playing

Cons

• Looks outdated
• May occasionally disconnect due to networking issues