Guide · Fair play

Using chess AI helpers fairly

Every major chess body bans outside help during a game. Here is what each one actually says, and how to get the full benefit of a helper without crossing the line.

Published November 12, 2026 · By the Chess AI Helper editors (ChessHelper team)

We rank ChessHelper (chesshelper.ai) first on this site, and we make it, so we have a clear interest in how people use it. Our position is simple: an AI helper is a study tool. Used on finished games, on the analysis board and against bots, it is one of the fastest ways to improve. Used during a game against a person, it breaks the rules, it ruins the game for your opponent, and it teaches you nothing. This guide quotes the rules so you do not have to take our word for it.

The one rule they all share

Chess.com, Lichess, FIDE and US Chess word it differently, but the core is the same: while a game is in progress, you may not get help from any source outside your own head. That includes engines, apps, browser extensions, databases, books, notes and other people. None of them make an exception for a tool that is “only for learning.” What matters is when you use it.

Chess.com

Chess.com's fair-play policy lists what is not allowed during play. It says: “Do not use chess engines, software of any kind, bots, plugins, browser extensions,” and it bars “any tools that analyze positions during play.” It also says not to “perform any automated analysis or ‘blunder checking’ of your games in progress,” and not to get help from any other person, “including parents, friends, coaches, or other players.”

Two details matter for helper users. First, the policy says it does not apply to your games that are not against other users, “such as in the game mode versus Chess.com computer.” Games against bots are fine. Second, it does not exempt unrated games against people. An unrated game is still a game against another person, so the same rules apply. Read the full text in the Chess.com fair play policy.

Lichess

The Lichess terms of service state: “We prohibit the use of any external assistance used whilst a game you are involved in is ongoing.” The terms name chess engines, opening books and endgame tablebases, and prohibit “receiving move recommendations from another person or software.” Lichess also reserves the right to treat “certain software or extensions” as prohibited at its discretion. The full text is in the Lichess terms of service.

The Lichess wording covers any game you are involved in. Its analysis board, studies and computer analysis are for positions and games that are not in progress.

FIDE

For over-the-board play, Article 11.3 of the FIDE Laws of Chess is short and absolute: “During play the players are forbidden to use any notes, sources of information or advice, or analyse any game on another chessboard.” Article 11.3.2 adds that a player may not have any electronic device not specifically approved by the arbiter in the playing venue, and that if it is evident a player has one on their person, the player shall lose the game, unless event regulations set a lighter penalty. See the FIDE Laws of Chess.

US Chess

The US Chess Official Rules of Chess cover the same ground in Rule 20. Rule 20D is titled “Use of additional chessboard or computer prohibited” and Rule 20E “Soliciting or using advice prohibited.” Free chapters of the rulebook, including the online-play chapter, are linked from the US Chess rules page.

What is allowed and what is not

The rules above translate into a short list. When in doubt, ask whether a game against a person is in progress. If it is, the helper stays off.

A healthy routine with a helper

The fair way to use a helper is also the effective way. Play your game without help. When it ends, go through it once on your own and mark the moments you were unsure about. Then switch the helper on and look at only those moments. Before you look at the suggested move, guess. Afterwards, write one sentence about what you missed.

Here is a short example. After 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Nc6 3.Qh5, a beginner playing Black against a bot might reply 3...Nf6, attacking the queen. That loses at once to 4.Qxf7 checkmate, because the bishop on c4 supports the queen on f7. A helper reviewing the game afterwards shows that 3...g6 or 3...Qe7 defends; we checked both with Stockfish at depth 20 and each rates Black as slightly better. The note you write is “check what the queen and bishop are aiming at together before attacking the queen.” That sentence is what you take into your next game, not the engine.

Our getting started guide shows how to set up ChessHelper for exactly this kind of practice, including how to turn the overlay off.

Why it matters for you

Beyond the rules, there are two practical reasons. Chess.com says it reserves the right to monitor all games played on its platform, and both Chess.com and Lichess can close accounts that break their rules. And a rating earned with help is a rating you then have to defend without it, which makes every later game harder. The improvement only comes from the work you do yourself.