Online Chess & Bridge: Free, Friendly Games to Keep Sharp
Published October 2026 · Last verified October 2026
Chess and bridge are thriving online, free to play, with gentle opponents and no pressure — Chess.com and Lichess for chess, BBO for bridge. Here is how to start and play at your level. Want a hand? (330) 200-8042.
Chess and bridge are thriving online, free to play, with gentle opponents and no pressure — Chess.com and Lichess for chess, BBO for bridge. Here is how to start and play at your level. Want a hand? (330) 200-8042.
What's inside this guide
The printable PDF walks through 40 short chapters, in plain language. It also includes at-a-glance pictures.
- Read this first — you can play for free, at your own pace
- The short version
- Why a game of chess or bridge is good for you
- Chess online: Chess.com and Lichess
- Making your free account
- Start against the computer — no pressure
- Playing real people, at your own level
- Learning with free chess puzzles
- Free lessons and learning tools
- Bridge online: Bridge Base Online
- Practicing bridge against the computer
- Playing bridge with real partners and clubs
- The quiet gift of company
- Computer, tablet, or phone — which is best
- Understanding the clock — and playing without one
- Seeing where a game turned — free
- Clubs and friendly tournaments online
- Learning the bidding, gently
- Free bridge lessons and practice hands
- Checkers, backgammon and other old favorites
- Playing with family who live far away
- Good manners and keeping it friendly
- Keeping it low-stakes and just for fun
- Why these games are good for you
- Watching games to learn and enjoy
- A puzzle a day keeps the mind limber
- Your free account and signing back in
- Getting started this very evening
- Two ways people come to this — and both are fine
- Setting it up for a parent or friend
- Keeping it safe and pleasant
- Common mistakes
- Common questions
- Is it really free to play?
- Do I have to play against strangers?
- I am very rusty — will I embarrass myself?
- Can I play with my old bridge club?
- What if I get stuck setting it up?
- The quick recap
- You do not have to do this alone
Get the printable guide
Everything above is a quick summary. The full, printable guide — the same words, laid out to read and keep by the computer — is a free PDF.
Last verified October 2026. Information accurate as of October 25, 2026.
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