# BetterThanChess

> BetterThanChess is a free online chess website where users can play chess against a computer, play with another player, spectate games, analyze completed games, and customize the chess board, pieces, environment, and interface.

## Website

- [BetterThanChess](https://betterthanchess.com/): The main BetterThanChess website and online chess game.

## Features

- **Play Chess Online:** Play chess directly in the browser without needing to install a chess program.
- **Play Against the Computer:** Play against a JavaScript chess engine running locally in the user's browser, with a wide range of difficulty levels.
- **1–2 Player Chess:** Play against another person or play both sides on the same computer.
- **Spectate Chess Games:** Watch other players' games, including games from friends and other players.
- **Game Analysis:** Analyze completed chess games and receive recommended moves for both players.
- **3D Chess:** Play chess using a fully rendered 3D board with visual effects such as lighting, shadows, reflections, and bloom.
- **2D Chess:** A 2D chess mode is also available.
- **Customization:** Customize chess pieces, board appearance, themes, environments, lighting, skyboxes, and the user interface.
- **Chat:** Chat with other players and send private messages to friends.
- **Accounts:** Users can play many features without an account. Creating an account provides additional features such as profile pictures, friends, and statistics.
- **Statistics:** Account holders can track chess statistics and game progress.
- **Game Sharing:** Share completed chess games with other people.
- **Game Export:** Save completed games as PNG images.
- **Chess Score Sheet:** View the moves from a game using a standard chess score sheet.

## Important Information

BetterThanChess is primarily an interactive, browser-based chess application rather than a traditional informational website. The main functionality is contained on the homepage, and much of the application is interactive JavaScript.

The computer chess engine runs in the user's browser rather than requiring users to download a separate chess engine.

Many features are available without creating an account.

## Optional

- [Sitemap](https://betterthanchess.com/sitemap.xml): XML sitemap for the BetterThanChess website.