How to play chess on Zoom

Option 1: share an online board during the call

Keep the Zoom call for video and open an online chessboard. If your call app supports screen sharing, one person shares the board and moves the pieces for both sides while the other calls out their moves. Or you each open the same game on an online chess site and keep the call running for conversation.

Keep in mind: With screen sharing only one person controls the board, the clock has to be kept separately, and moves said out loud are easy to mishear.

Option 2: play in a Rovian private room

A Rovian private room puts the board, a game clock and a video call with voice on one screen, so you do not need Zoom open during the game. It runs in current browsers on phones, tablets and computers, and Rovian also has Android and iOS apps for chess. More about private rooms: play chess with friends.

Step by step

1. You and your friend each sign in with a free account; private rooms are not available with guest access.
2. In the lobby, create a private room with “Play with a friend”.
3. Paste the room link or the 4-character code into the Zoom chat or any messaging app, and keep the room screen open.
4. The game starts when your friend opens the link and presses “Join”, or enters the code and presses “Join”. If your camera does not start in Rovian, close other apps that may be using it, such as the Zoom call.

Which option should you choose?

If you are already in a meeting and want a quick game, screen sharing can be enough. If you want moves checked against the rules, a clock that runs on its own and video next to the board, a private room is simpler.