Plain Chess Get the app

Finally win at chess.

Play six rivals from beginner to expert, solve a mate in 2 every day and get a hint whenever you’re stuck.

Download on the App Store
QR code that opens Plain Chess on the App Store

Scan with your iPhone camera

For iPhoneNo adsNo account to create

The final position of a won game against Nova, with the black king checkmated.
Victory: You won.
The gold king on a chessboard in front of the six rival portraits.

Mate in 2. Every day.

Nearly 5,000 puzzles

Real positions from real games.

TapClick a piece, then a square.

A new one every day in Plain Chess.

Get the app

White to move

Find checkmate in 2

Easy
Mate in 2 puzzle: White to move, after Black’s Qf8.

A new one every day in Plain Chess.

Get the app

Game review

Review every game.

After each game against the computer, see your accuracy and the moments that mattered.

  1. Missed mate in 2Up to 3 key moments
  2. Find it yourselfReplays it as a puzzle
Game review against Ivan: the board with arrows, the game graph and the key moment Missed mate in 2, with a Find it yourself button.

Stuck? Get a hint.

See the threat. Get a nudge. Then see the move, worked out on your iPhone.

A gold hint arrow shows Bb5+, which saves the bishop with check.
HINT · THE MOVEBb5+ saves your bishop with check.

Can you beat Nova?

Familiar faces, different strengths. Each opponent has a fresh run of form every match.

Choose your opponent.

Nova vs. You

Match ready
Nova
Expert Attacking play
Today’s form: Sharp
You
Playing white
Feeling focused this match. Expect a little more resistance.

Elo estimates relative playing strength; higher is harder. These are approximate app ratings, not official chess ratings.

AI Coach

Why? Just ask.

  • Best move here?
  • What should I watch out for?
  • What plan fits this position?

AI Coach needs an internet connection and can make mistakes.

AI Coach answering over a game against Nova: White is slightly better, suggested move d3, with the plan, how to play it and what to watch out for.

Blundered? Undo it.

Undo any move, as many times as you like.

After 3. Qxe5+ Nxe5 the white queen is gone; the knight on e5 is marked red.
Moves2. Qh5 Nc6 3. Qxe5+ Nxe5

Play a friend

Kid vs. you. One phone.

Two players take turns on the same board, offline.

A two-player game on one phone: Ruy Lopez, White to move, with Hint and Threats.
Plain Chess on iPhone Duo: the daily puzzle board on one page and the puzzle controls on the other.

iPhone Duo

A bigger board. Just open it.

Plain Chess. No ads.

No sign-upWorks offline

AI Coach needs an internet connection.

Board themes

  • Classic
  • Slate
  • Parchment

Questions? Answers.

What does Plain Chess cost?

New players need a membership to play. In the United States, Plain Chess Annual is $19.99 per year and Plain Chess Monthly is $2.99 per month. Both include the full game and 10 AI credits each month. Prices for other regions are shown in the App Store before you buy.

Is there a trial?

New members on Plain Chess Annual may be offered a 7-day free trial. The App Store shows the trial and the price that follows before you confirm. Plain Chess Monthly has no trial.

How do I cancel?

Cancel anytime in your Apple Account settings.

Do I need an account?

No. There is no Plain Chess account to create. Your membership is bought and restored with your Apple Account.

Does it work offline?

Yes. Games against the computer or a friend, puzzles, Hint, Threats, coach notes, reviews and opening lessons all work offline. AI Coach and purchases need an internet connection.

Which devices does it run on?

Plain Chess is for iPhone with iOS 17 or later. It is ready for iPhone Duo, with more room for the board.

How strong are the rivals?

They range from Pip, a beginner at ~600 Elo, to Nova, an expert at ~2,050. Elo estimates relative playing strength; higher is harder. These are approximate app ratings, not official chess ratings.

What is AI Coach?

Ask about your position in everyday language. Answers show a suggested move on the board, the plan, how to play it and what to watch out for. Membership includes 10 AI credits each month, and each reply uses 1 credit. Extra credit packs are available. AI Coach needs an internet connection and can make mistakes.

Do hints use AI credits?

No. Hint, Threats and coach notes are worked out on your iPhone, work offline and never use AI credits.

I bought Plain Chess before subscriptions. Do I keep it?

Yes. If you bought Plain Chess before subscriptions, you keep the gameplay you already purchased. The monthly AI credits come with a membership.

How do I get help?

Visit Plain Chess Support or email corporate@cerebraenterprises.com.

Plain Chess app icon

Your next great move starts here.

Download on the App Store
QR code that opens Plain Chess on the App Store

Scan with your iPhone camera

Or search “Plain Chess” on the App Store.