How to block Chess.com on Chrome
Why Chess.com is hard to put down
- Rating swings make you want to play "one more to win it back".
- Games are short, so the time adds up invisibly.
- Puzzles and lessons feel productive, even when they replace real work.
Block Chess.com in four steps
- 1Add ZenTab to Chrome. It's free, and your first 7 days include every Pro feature.
- 2Open the ZenTab dashboard and go to Site Blocker.
- 3Chess.com is already in the Gaming pack: make sure chess.com is switched on. If it isn't listed, type chess.com and click Add site.
- 4Open chess.com. Instead of the site you'll see ZenTab's calm block page, with your streak and a button to start a focus session.
A site covers its subdomains too, so chess.com also blocks every *.chess.com address. The free plan blocks 10 sites at a time; if you're at the limit, switch off one you need less, or go Pro for unlimited sites.
Smarter ways to limit Chess.com
Chess is a great hobby. It's just better after the work is done. Blocking everything isn't the only option:
Block the whole site
FreeChess.com is in the Gaming pack.
Play after 6
ProSchedule chess for evenings and weekends.
Daily puzzle, not daily binge
ProA 15-minute daily limit leaves room for puzzles.
When you're tempted to unblock it
Most blockers fail in the same moment: you're tired, the urge hits, and switching the block off takes two clicks. ZenTab adds friction exactly there.
- I really need this site: the block page can open Chess.com for a few minutes after a short wait, so a genuine need doesn't turn into an hour.
- Strict Mode (Pro): no quick unlocks, you can add sites but not remove or pause them, and turning it off takes a 15-minute cool-down.
- Commitment lock (Pro): keep Strict Mode on until a date you choose, with no way out early.
Frequently asked questions
Can I block Chess.com but keep Lichess?
Yes. Only the sites on your blocklist are blocked. Add or remove each one as you like.
Will it end a game I'm in the middle of?
If a block starts while a game is open, the tab is redirected to the block page. Finish your game before a focus session starts.
Block Chess.com in a minute
ZenTab is free: block up to 10 sites, hide YouTube Shorts and grow a focus streak. Pro adds unlimited sites, page rules, schedules and daily limits for $10 once.