Facebook Messenger: play chess - how it works

Play chess in Facebook Messenger: what sounds strange can be easily done with the right commands. We show how you can quickly turn the social network into a gaming platform and challenge one of your friends.

Play chess against friends in Facebook Messenger

The so-called commands are a new function of the Facebook messenger. So you can no longer just send simple messages or pictures to your friends - even small games like chess are possible.

• To start a game against a friend, send them a message that says "@fbchess play" (without quotes).
• The text code is automatically converted and a small chess board appears in the chat history.
• The recipient of your message can then make the first move. Unfortunately there is no control via touchscreen. You have to type in all trains manually and send them like a normal message.
• The commands to draw the individual pieces correspond to the usual chess notation. For example, your counterpart can put his pawn on e4 with the train "@fbchess e4" (see screenshot). The playing field is then regenerated and saved in the chat. Then it's your turn again.
• If you are not sure about the notation, you can call up a list of all commands. To do this, use the code "@fbchess help"
• Tip: The command function is under construction and will be able to do much more than the chess game in the near future. There is already a second code: With "@dailycute" you send a cute animal picture every day - completely automatically.

If the new functions of Facebook Messenger are not to your liking, you will find five alternative chat tools for Android in the next practical tip.