How to play Chess in Facebook messenger!

August 14, 2017

How to play Chess in Facebook messenger!

Facebook has a lot of hidden features. Some of them are fairly well-known, but most users aren't aware of the chess game built right in to the messaging feature.

Facebook doesn't really publicize the secret game, and it's pretty difficult to come across unless you somehow were to accidentally type a specific command into the chat bar.

There's a small learning curve as you learn the various commands, but overall it works pretty well. And you can even carry on a regular chat between moves, in case you need a break from all the chess action.

I tested out the hidden Easter egg by starting a game against The Independent's one-time chess prodigy, Dave Hughes.

To start a game, you need to open a chat with the person you want to play against and send '@fbchess play'.

A board will appear, and each player will be randomly assigned a color.

Then it's time to start playing. You move pieces around the board by typing algebraic commands, which might be familiar to keen chess players, but probably not to anyone else.

Commands are issued by starting a message with '@fbchess' and writing which square you want each piece to go to.

Complicated? A Little bit, but as time pass by you will be more and more into this fun game, also you can play and defeat your friends with not need to leave your bed!