Chess - tChess Lite
Fun and easy to use
Ratings
Age
4+
Category
Strategy
Languages
English
Sat Nov 29 2025
- Updated for the latest version of iOS
- Fixed a bug where the animations would become jerky if the app was open for a long time
tChess Lite is the acclaimed chess game designed for both beginners and experts. Featuring an engine developed by a chess master, it provides a realistic challenge. Players can take advantage of the 'hint' feature to learn new strategies or use the analysis mode to review their games. The app supports both portrait and landscape modes for comfortable play.
Dinsun Expert Review
Our Expert Score
tChess Lite remains one of the most respected chess engines on iOS for a reason. While many other chess apps try to overwhelm you with social features, tChess focuses on the purity of the game. The 'Lite' version is incredibly generous, offering a high-quality engine that can challenge even seasoned club players.
The interface is elegant and traditional, providing a clear view of the board without unnecessary clutter. It’s particularly great for beginners because of its analysis features, which help you understand where a game was won or lost. Even though it's a 'Lite' version, the performance is snappy and the move suggestions are insightful. It’s a solid, dependable choice for anyone who wants to squeeze in a game of chess without the bloat of modern mobile gaming.
Features
Master-level chess engine
Hint and Undo features
Saved game history
Board customization options
Tips & Walkthrough
After a match, use the analysis feature to see exactly which move turned the tide. The engine will show you the optimal move compared to the one you made.
Gameplays
Adjust the ELO rating of the AI to match your skill level, ensuring that every game is competitive but winnable as you improve.
Screenshot
Q&A
Yes, the app automatically saves your current state, and you can export PGN files in the full version.
Ratings & Reviews
Great learning tool. Very relaxing
Fri Feb 11 2022 ArchiAceThis is an excellent program to enjoy playing and learning chess without judging. You can retrace your steps when you made a series of bad or good moves. You can try different options as you play a game. You play against the strength of an opponent up to 1200 on the free app and higher for the pro. Board and piece selection is a fabulous option! You can change the look to increase variety. The app records the number of wins and even provides hints to move which you can compare with the choices you would make. A great app to learn and increase skill and confidence.
Very nice
Thu Dec 12 2019 DrCostasI’m a beginner and I like how it rates you and gets harder as you get better. I also like that you can go back and learn from your mistakes. The hints are helpful but as a beginner I can’t always follow why the computer’s choice is better than my move. So I just follow the computer’s thinking for a while and then go back to see where my choice would lead me.
Good But
Sat Jan 26 2019 Laventille BoyI like the app. There are a few areas where I believe there can be some improvement (1) the computer plays the same response to any particular opening I use and that becomes a bit predictable (2) I think it should be made more challenging. At the moment the ratings go to 1200 and I am there. Why not take it to 2400 more in alignment with international rating systems? (3) some daily chess puzzles might be a nice addition but not necessary (4) being able to save your game for reference later I believe to be important Other than these it’s a very good app
The perfect beginner's app for me
Sun Aug 08 2021 ventutoI downloaded a number of free beginning chess apps, but I found the Learn Chess ebook and tChess Lite were the most useful for me, a complete newbie. I've gone from "Huh?" to "Checkmate!" in about ten days and can now play with real people. Thank you, Tom Kerrigan, for such a clear set of instructions and a fun way to practice.
Appreciate
Sun Jul 09 2023 415353photogbeing able to retrace, analyze & try different moves, compare your ideas for moves against the hints. When your decision vs the hint still gets you to check mate, increases confidence:)
The way to become a champion
Fri Feb 02 2024 mark&kimThis is fun, challenging, and it varies the response even with the same set up very smart
One of the better chess matches on iPhone.
Fri Sep 29 2017 Thacket3The only glitch is that the computer makes the match a draw in four moves if it’s in trouble. But there is no way to make it a draw if you are out of options. So it does cheat a bit in favor of itself. But it’s a really fun game.
Great Game, especially for non-masters
Mon Feb 01 2021 tamon14This game is clean with a great interface. I love its simplicity and the engine is fantastic. Definitely worth the download. You won’t regret it.
News found!
Chess - Learn Chess by Tom KerriganOver 600 million people worldwide know how to play chess. Now you can learn how to play too, with Learn Chess! Learn Chess is a short, fun,...
AppAdvice Thu Aug 02 2018
