Generally speaking, chess players have two options when it comes to playing chess. Some players prefer to play chess in person, with a real chess board and real chess pieces. Other players prefer to play chess online, utilizing a virtual board with virtual pieces. There are pros and cons to both styles of play, including differences in convenience, cost, and learning opportunity.

Playing online chess has become increasingly popular as more people are owning computers and gaining access to the Internet. There are websites that offer online chess servers that allow players from all over the world to play chess online at any time of their choosing. While many of the websites may charge a subscription fee to such an online chess server, other websites are beginning to offer this service free-of-charge. Some are even linked directly with the social-networking site, Facebook.

Others still consider chess a game that requires both players to be sitting opposite each other in front of a chess board. Like how poker players prefer to play in person, some chess players will prefer to be able to physically meet and study their opponent in person.

As mentioned before, there are pros and cons to both types of chess. Some players may choose to play chess online for the following reasons:

• Playing online chess offers a convenience that chess in person can not offer. It allows players to play chess with other players at any given time across the entire world. As such, it provide players with an infinite pool of opponents.

• As there are so many players playing chess online around the world, a player can develop his or her skill by playing against players of different skill level and playing styles.

• Playing chess online can be done for free, saving costs associated with chess clubs and tournaments

Other players may prefer playing chess in person for the following reasons:

• Playing chess in person may provide for a more traditional feel, as older chess players likely did not have access to online chess when they were younger.

• Playing chess in person allows both players to personally meet their opponent, and physically play across from his or her opponent. This allows for more strategy, as reading the opponent can change certain tactics and strategy.

• Playing chess in person allows players to build connections with other chess players, especially if played in a chess club. These connections can be used for future chess opponents or practice partners.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding how to play chess. Each person, in chess and in life, has their own preferences. As both online chess and playing chess in person have its benefits, it is not uncommon for players to utilize both types of chess. Regardless of how the game of chess is played, it remains the standard for all strategic and intellectual games.