Use a modern phone, tablet or desktop browser to play on the website. Guest access and free accounts are available to players aged 18 and over.
Chess and live conversation in one place
Choose your game preferences and look for an opponent, or create a private room with your free account and invite a friend. Waiting time depends on the players online; computer opponents may be used when no player is found. You control camera and microphone permissions. After a game, request a rematch or search for a new opponent.
How to get started
- Find an opponent: Choose your time control and game preferences, then press “Find an opponent”. Matching depends on the players online; if no player is found, you may get a computer opponent without a camera.
- Camera and microphone: Manage camera and microphone permissions as you prefer, confirm that you are ready and make your first move.
- Rematch or a new opponent: After the game, request a rematch or look for another opponent.
Video chess · With strangers · With friends
Who is it for?
- Players who want to face an opponent they can see on camera rather than a username.
- People who want to play a friend or partner in another city over video.
- Adults who want to invite family members to a game with a single link.
- Friend groups and teams planning a chess night.
Age limit and child safety
Fun only begins when everyone feels safe. Rovian is for ages 18 and over only (both membership and guest access are 18+); we don’t let anyone below the age limit take a seat, and we act with zero tolerance on child safety. If someone disturbs the table, you can use the “Report” and “Block” controls. (For details, see our Is Rovian Safe? page.)
Beyond chess: video backgammon and coaching
Besides chess, you can play backgammon with video chat on Rovian. If you want to learn, there are puzzles, an opening school and one-to-one video lessons with coaches; players who explain well can apply as coaches and earn from the lessons they give.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rovian free?
Yes. Creating an account, finding an opponent and playing are free.
Do I have to turn on my camera?
Camera and microphone access require your permission. Random matches are played with cameras on (blur mode is available); in a private room with friends the camera is optional. See the Privacy page for media handling and recording features.
Do I choose my own opponent?
Not in random matchmaking: the system looks for a suitable player among those online, and ratings are not used for pairing. If no player is found, you may get a computer opponent. To play someone you know, create a private room with your free account and share its invitation.
Which devices does it support?
Rovian works in current phone, tablet and desktop browsers; you do not need to download an app to play on the website.