Establishing a server-client connection for a multiplayer game

am trying to create a chess-like two-person multiplayer game using Microsoft Visual C++. I need some guidance on how to create a connection between the two persons(using the internet). One person will be the server (which will be able to change the properties of the game) and the other one the client. What is the easiest and safest way to establish such a connection and what documentation should I look for?

Thanks a lot.