Chess Opener PRO
Chess opening trainer
Ratings
Age
4+
Category
Strategy
Languages
English
Sun Jan 25 2026
NEW Chess engine!
- Faster loading time
- Faster chess analysis
- Configurable CPU usage and analysis time
- Engine moves are highlighted on the chessboard
- Engine settings are now accessible from the menu bellow the engine moves
Chess Opener Pro is the ultimate training tool for chess enthusiasts looking to dominate the board from move one. Featuring a massive database of openings and variations, the app provides interactive training modules, move-by-move explanations, and common trap warnings. Build your personal repertoire and test your knowledge with specialized opening drills.
Dinsun Expert Review
Our Expert Score
Chess Opener Pro is an indispensable tool for the modern chess student. It’s less of a 'game' and more of an interactive encyclopedia for the most critical part of the match: the opening. The app covers a massive range of openings—from the Ruy Lopez to the more obscure gambits—and uses a 'spaced repetition' system to help you memorize the variations.
The clean UI allows you to explore the move tree easily. What I found particularly helpful was the 'Pros and Cons' section for each variation, which explains the *why* behind the move, not just the *what*. This is crucial for developing genuine chess intuition. If you are looking to move past the casual level and start building a solid repertoire for tournament play, this app is one of the most efficient ways to do it.
Features
Database of 1,000+ opening variations
Interactive spaced-repetition training
Detailed explanations of opening theory
Customizable repertoire builder
Tips & Walkthrough
Start by selecting one opening for White and two for Black (against e4 and d4). Focus on learning the main lines 5 moves deep before exploring the more complex sub-variations.
Gameplays
Use the 'Blindfold' mode to test if you've truly memorized the lines. The app will hide the move list and force you to play through the opening from memory.
Screenshot
Q&A
Yes, you can toggle a Stockfish-powered engine to see the evaluation for any specific variation.
Ratings & Reviews
Feature needed
Fri Aug 29 2025 n88819This app is nearly perfect. I would only like a feature that allows me to start study from a later position in game by importing starting at e.g. move 17. Would have emailed this privately but could not find email. Would be happy to change review to 5 stars.
World Class trainer
Tue Nov 24 2020 Tomcat228I can’t say enough good things about this app. It’s simple to use, has a World Champion chess engine with a beautiful interface. It keeps board and piece options simple but all are quality options that most tournament players use. Using this app creates an opening repertoire that can be adjusted with ease. Using Stockfish you can explore and build openings that fit your temperament . Chess opener is the only app you need to become a strong opening player. Since I bought this app I stopped using Chessbase because on an IPad Chess Opener is convenient and enjoyable to use.
Great Surprise In Finding This App
Sat Jun 05 2021 AviSaintBy chance while checking for any update to Vicoli’s “Chess Studio”, I found this outstanding chess opening app! My chess suffers from constant weak opening play and after a few dedicated hours with this program I have improved significantly when using my three favorite Black openings as I play opponents on-line. I have several other iPad chess opening apps that for several reasons including being BORING to use never made much difference to my opening play as Black. The interface is easy to learn and use, a crucial factor in its effectiveness. It’s features are well chosen and add the feeling “to explore”. The ability to replay Grandmasters’ openings with Stockfish assisting my understanding their game positions is a special feature to me. (Some favorite past Grandmasters I hope will be added to the 100+ available.) A wonderful addition to my iPad chess applications!
What I am looking for
Tue Nov 26 2024 Chastity White RoseI have many options on PC for viewing databases and the opening tree of how often moves are played in a certain position. I have explored several apps for iPhone and iPad and none of them even come close to what I want. But this app really does it. It’s very close to chessx or scid on PC. I will use this for my chess students!
Almost perfect for training (iCloud sync will be even better!)
Thu Jun 15 2023 AvnrkIf this had iCloud sync across my devices for my repertoire then it would have 7 stars for me but for now I can only give it 5 stars 😆😆😆 You can import PGN for now or make the moves to add a new opening for training
Best chess opening trainer for iPad
Tue Jul 04 2023 MorphyPVery happy with this training tool. Well worth the money for the pro version. Could use iCloud integration to keep the databases the same on all devices. Easy 5 stars even without this.
Amazing App
Thu Feb 08 2024 DrHotBunzReally nice and you can review lines while training. I have tried them all and this is the best for the serious tournament player.
Great tool for practicing openings and refining repertoires
Sun Jan 15 2023 _NM_Ignore the 1-star ratings. I had given up on the iPad for opening training before I stumbled across this app. Excellent conception and implementation! Thank you!
