Memory Chess (Blindfold Chess)
Both sides make their first move seeing the board; then it goes dark. You play by typing moves like e2 e4 or tapping squares, and the board opens every few moves so you can check your memory.
Set up your game
Opponent
Computer opponent
How often should the board open?
Time
Colour
How it works
- The first move of each side is played with the board visible.
- Then the board goes dark: neither your pieces nor your opponent's are shown. Your opponent's move is announced as text.
- Type your move (e2 e4, Nf3, O-O) or tap the square of your piece and then its destination on the dark board.
- The board opens every 2, 3, 5 or 10 moves (or never): you see the position and what you captured and lost.
- Memory chess is unrated, so it never affects your normal rating.
Frequently asked questions
What is blindfold chess?
Playing without seeing the pieces: you keep the position in your head and announce moves by their coordinates.
Is it good training?
Yes. It strengthens visualisation, the skill of seeing moves ahead in your mind, which helps calculation in normal games too.
Does it change my rating?
No. Memory chess games are unrated.