How to Get Started Playing Chess on ICC Chess Club

Updated

ICC Chess Club (chessclub.com) is an online chess platform established in 1995. To start playing, you create or log into an account, then head to the Play section to begin a game. The site states it is free to play, and also offers monthly and yearly premium memberships for additional benefits. The main navigation areas are Play, Content, Shop, Account, and Company.

Step 1: Create or access your account

Use the Account area to log in or set up a new account. This is the entry point for identifying yourself on the site.

  • If you already have an account, log in.
  • If you are new, create an account first.
  • The homepage prompts you to "Log in to go premium," which indicates that membership upgrades are tied to being logged in.

Step 2: Decide between free play and membership

The site presents two paths once you are logged in:

Option What it means
Free play The site describes playing chess online as free, so you can start games without a paid plan.
Monthly membership A premium option billed monthly; the homepage links to "See Details" for benefits.
Yearly membership A premium option billed yearly; also has a "See Details" link.

The exact benefits, prices, and any limits on free play are not specified in the available page information, so check the membership detail pages before upgrading.

Step 3: Start your first game in the Play section

Go to the Play area, which is the first item in the main navigation. This is where you make your first move. The homepage frames it as "Make your first move with us," confirming that Play is the starting point for games.

Step 4: Explore the other sections as needed

Beyond playing, the site organizes its features into clear sections:

  • Content — the homepage mentions solving puzzles, learning from grandmaster videos, and watching real-time live games.
  • Shop — a store area for products.
  • Company — information about the organization.

Common sticking points

  • Not logged in? Membership and account features require login, so handle Step 1 first.
  • Unsure about cost? The site says play is free, but premium tiers exist; confirm what each tier includes before paying.
  • Can't find games? Games live under Play, not under Content or Shop.

If you just want to play, the shortest path is: log in or register → open Play → start a game.