Editor's Review

Chess - Play and Learn is an exceptional mobile application designed for chess enthusiasts of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. Developed by Chess.com, this app serves as both a platform for playing games and a comprehensive learning resource. With its user-friendly interface, diverse features, and a vibrant community, Chess - Play and Learn aims to enhance your chess experience. In this review, I will explore the strengths and weaknesses of the app based on my personal gameplay experience.

One of the standout features of Chess - Play and Learn is its extensive learning resources. The app offers a plethora of tutorials, videos, and interactive lessons that cater to players of all skill levels. These resources cover various aspects of chess, including openings, tactics, strategies, and endgames. The lessons are well-structured and easy to follow, making it accessible for newcomers who wish to learn the game. This emphasis on education is a significant advantage, as it allows players to improve their skills while enjoying the game.

The gameplay experience in Chess - Play and Learn is smooth and engaging. Players can compete against AI opponents, friends, or other players from around the world. The matchmaking system is generally effective, pairing players of similar skill levels, which ensures that matches are competitive and enjoyable. The app supports various time controls, including classical, blitz, and bullet formats, catering to different preferences and playing styles. This flexibility in gameplay allows users to choose how they want to engage with the game, whether they are looking for a quick match or a more in-depth strategic battle.

Another highlight of the app is its vibrant community. Players can join clubs, participate in tournaments, and engage in discussions with fellow chess enthusiasts. This sense of community adds depth to the experience, as players can share tips, strategies, and insights with one another. Additionally, the app features daily puzzles and challenges that encourage players to practice their skills and compete for prizes. This community-driven aspect fosters a sense of belonging, making it easier for players to stay motivated and engaged.

However, Chess - Play and Learn is not without its drawbacks. One notable criticism is the presence of ads, which can interrupt the flow of gameplay and learning. While the app is free to use, players may encounter prompts for premium features or subscriptions, which can be distracting, especially during intense matches or learning sessions. Offering an option to purchase an ad-free experience could significantly enhance overall player satisfaction and immersion.

Another area for improvement is the app's interface, which, while generally user-friendly, can sometimes feel cluttered, especially for new users. Navigating through the various features and options may be overwhelming at first. A more streamlined design or guided onboarding process could help ease newcomers into the app and improve overall usability. Additionally, clearer labeling of features and options would enhance the user experience, making it easier for players to access what they need.

The sound design in Chess - Play and Learn complements the gameplay effectively, featuring subtle background music and sound effects that enhance the atmosphere without being intrusive. However, some players may prefer more customization options for audio settings, allowing them to tailor their experience according to their preferences. Providing different sound themes or the option to mute specific sounds could improve the overall experience for those who enjoy a more personalized touch.

In terms of replayability, Chess - Play and Learn offers a wealth of content that ensures players remain engaged. With numerous lessons, puzzles, and the ability to play against a wide range of opponents, the app provides endless opportunities for improvement and enjoyment. However, once players have exhausted the available content, they may find themselves waiting for new features or updates to keep the gameplay fresh. Regular updates that introduce new lessons, puzzles, or community events would help maintain long-term player interest and engagement.

Overall, Chess - Play and Learn is an outstanding mobile app that successfully combines gameplay, education, and community engagement. Its extensive learning resources, smooth gameplay experience, and vibrant community make it a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their chess skills or simply enjoy the game. However, the reliance on ads, interface clutter, and potential for overwhelming options can detract from the overall enjoyment. For those seeking a comprehensive chess experience that balances play and learning, Chess - Play and Learn is certainly worth a try.

About Game

Step into the world of Chess with 'Chess - Play and Learn', an exhilarating and challenging game that brings together over 130 million players globally. Encompassing different languages, this game is unanimously recognized as the crown jewel of strategy games. With its comprehensive resources, you’ll partake not just in a game, but in a vibrant community that lives and breathes Chess, providing an interactive experience like no other.

Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or an expert, 'Chess - Play and Learn' caters to every level of proficiency. With a vast array of 350,000+ tactics puzzles, daily correspondence games, interactive lessons, and videos, securing the mastery of Chess is only a hand's reach away. There's nothing more pleasing than pitting against numerous computer opponents to test your mettle, racing against the clock and unlocking your inner chess master.

How to play

• Playing Chess online is tons of fun with 'Chess - Play and Learn'. You can compete with your mates in a 2-Player mode or meet new friends online while playing. If you're in for a challenge, participate in tournaments with a plethora of other players. You can adjust your pace from real-time lightning-fast games that run for a minute per game to more elongated 30-minute-plus sessions. Shaking things up a bit with chess variants such as Chess960, blitz chess, puzzle rush, bullet chess, and many more, it's never the same game twice.
• If you're a tactics enthusiast, you'll find the 350,000+ unique puzzles irresistible. The rated mode adapts to your skill level and aids you to level up. Chase your high score in the Puzzle Rush or practice specific themes in learning mode. To those who prefer to learn traditionally, there are hundreds of chess lessons and interactive tutorials made by masters that guide you toward sharpening your skills. You can also play against the computer, analyze your games, and skyrocket your performance.

Features

• Join a colossal community of over 60 million online chess players where you'd find players from all levels.
• Play more than 10 million chess games each day, amass ratings, and earn your place on leaderboards.
• Get a front-seat view to watch the most followed chess superstars like Hikaru, GothamChess, and Botez, among others.
• Off the grid, you have an option to play the game offline against the computer.
• Customize the game according to your taste by choosing from a variety of board themes, 3D chess pieces, and backgrounds.