Poki chess

On an 8x8 grid, chess is played by two people. Every player begins with 16 pieces: pawns, knights, bishops, rooks, one queen and one king. The goal is to checkmate your opponent's king — that is, the king is attacked and no safe square remains for it. You also pick up how to find forks, pins and discovered attacks, and how to plan a few moves forward rather than taking the first piece you notice.

Master Chess gives you a direct match versus the computer. Chess Online Multiplayer lets you face another person live. 3D Chess - Arcane Edition places the pieces on a three-dimensional board if you'd like a different perspective. Moon Chess suits you when a calmer, slower match is what you want.

Use a phone on your lunch break, or a laptop in between classes. Quick matches last a few minutes; lengthier ones call for patience.