a1 — open source · free forever
Lichess is a free and open-source chess platform run on volunteers and donations. Millions of games a day, and nothing at all is reserved for paying members — because there are no paying members.
Requires iOS 15.6+ or Android 8+. Translated into dozens of languages.
1. e4 e5 — and about five million more games today
b2 — the model
The interesting thing about Lichess is not a feature. It is that the whole thing is free and the code is public. There is no premium tier, no ad slot, no "unlock deeper analysis" button. Patrons donate; that pays the servers; everyone gets the same product.
In practice that removes the friction you meet elsewhere: unlimited engine analysis on every game, unlimited puzzles, unlimited studies. You never hit a wall mid-session and have to decide whether chess is worth a subscription this month.
c3 — what's in the app
Bullet through classical, or slow games over days against opponents anywhere.
A huge tactics set sorted by theme, plus Puzzle Storm if you want the clock breathing down your neck.
Run the engine locally on the device or on the server — on every game, as many times as you like.
Open tournaments running around the clock, no entry fee, no qualification.
Build interactive, shareable study chapters — the closest thing to a notebook for openings and endgames.
Follow major tournaments move by move, plus Lichess TV and streamers.
Two players on one phone, plus a proper chess clock for physical games.
Engines at graded strength, useful when you want practice without a rating on the line.
d4 — choosing sides
Both are good. They differ mainly in what the business model does to the product, so the honest framing is a trade, not a winner.
Yes. It is a non-profit funded by patron donations. Becoming a patron gives a badge, not features.
No, you can play as a guest. An account is only needed to keep a rating, save games and use studies.
It runs Stockfish, one of the strongest engines in existence — the same class of tool that paid platforms use.
Puzzles can be solved offline. Live games obviously need a connection.
e5 — your move
Free on iOS and Android. Ten minutes, no account, no card.
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