Chess Playing Apps

Overview

Essential Apps

  • $7.99

    Shredder Chess

    by Eiko Bleicher, Skizzix.com

    Shredder is the most intuitive Chess app in the App Store. Whether you are solving a puzzle or playing the computer, Shredder is smart enough to help you out without telling you the problem. It changes its difficulty as you improve your skills (or start to lose them), and even offers you hints as you play against it. Shredder Chess truly is like playing against another person that is able to analyze and discuss what is happening on the board. If you want a Chess app, get this one.

Notable Apps

  • Free

    Chess Free

    by Optime Software LLC

    If you're not looking for something quite as fancy (or pricey) as Shredder Chess and simply want to just play the game, look no further than Chess Free. First, it's free. But it is also has a very nice and simple design with multiple AI difficulties and the ability to play other humans. No puzzles or a genius computer, but it gets the job done. And for free, too.

  • $2.99

    Fritz Chess

    by Gammick Entertainment LTD.

    Fritz Chess is very similar to Shredder Chess in that it has its intuitive computer behind the scenes challenging you every step of the way. After playing against the computer, you can review the game and have the computer show you why your moves may have been good, or not-so-good. While it has nice touches like timing the games, the overall design and amount of features fall a bit short of Shredder Chess. But, if you're really looking to save $4 and want an incredibly intuitive Chess application, Fritz is the app for you.

Decent Apps

  • $2.99

    Caissa Chess

    by Boris Ioffe

    Caissa Chess has many nice features. It has a pretty intuitive computer running the show, as well. The computer has multiple difficulties and also gives hints throughout the game. Everything is pretty simple and straightforward as far as the computer and gameplay goes, but Caissa Chess suffers when it comes to its design. Frankly, the app is a bit of an eye-sore. I'd recommend either saving your $4 and getting Chess Free or ponying up a few bucks more and getting Fritz or Shredder Chess. If you don't feel like ponying up anymore, however, and don't feel satisfied by Chess Free, this app certainly has potential (especially if your vision isn't what it used to be).

Other Apps