Frequently asked questions
Everything you might want to know before your first move — playing the engine solo, online games, offline use, and more. You can start playing instantly, no sign-in required.
Is MateStorm free to play?+
Yes — MateStorm is free to play. You can practise against the engine solo, and with a quick sign-in play others online, at no cost.
Do I need an account to play chess?+
No account is needed for solo play — open MateStorm and start a game against the engine instantly. Online play against other people requires a quick Google sign-in so games stay fair, and online is currently in a private beta.
Can I play chess against the computer?+
Yes. MateStorm runs the Stockfish 16 NNUE engine directly in your browser, with ten strength levels from beginner-friendly to grandmaster — so it suits complete beginners and strong players alike.
How can I practise chess by myself?+
Open MateStorm and start a solo game against the engine instantly — no account needed. Choose from ten strength levels, get a live verdict on every move, and keep playing offline once the page has loaded.
Can I play chess with friends online?+
Yes. Create a private room and share the link, or use the lobby for rated games and the leaderboard. Online play is currently in private beta.
Does MateStorm work offline?+
Solo play against the engine works fully offline once the page has loaded, because the engine runs on your device rather than a server. Online multiplayer needs an internet connection.
Do I need to install anything?+
No — MateStorm runs in any modern browser. You can optionally install it to your home screen (it is a Progressive Web App) for a full-screen, app-like experience.
Does MateStorm analyse my moves?+
Yes. MateStorm shows a live engine evaluation and gives each move a verdict — from brilliancies to blunders — so you can learn while you play instead of waiting for a post-game report.