Chess.com
by Chess.com LLC · Games · Puzzle
Play chess online against millions of players, solve puzzles, take lessons, and improve your game.
Quick Answer: Chess.com has a verified Real Score of 4.4/5 based on 66,750 verified reviews, compared to its App Store rating of 4.8/5. Highly recommended by verified users.
Real Score vs App Store Rating
App Store Rating
Includes unverified reviews
Verified Real Score
Based on 66,750 verified reviews
Gap Alert: Chess.com's App Store rating is 0.4 points higher than its verified Real Score. This suggests that some store reviews may be inflated by fake or incentivized ratings.
Pros & Cons
What Users Love
- Massive player base for matchmaking
- Excellent learning resources
- Daily puzzles are addictive
- Good analysis tools
Common Complaints
- Premium is expensive
- Free tier has limitations
- Can be intimidating for beginners
- Some server lag during peak times
Verified Reviews (20)
Reignited my love of chess
Hadnt played chess in 20 years. Downloaded Chess.com and now I play daily. The matchmaking ensures fair games and the puzzles improve my skills. Addicted again.
Learning tools are excellent
The lessons, puzzle trainer, and game analysis help me improve systematically. Went from 800 to 1200 rating in 6 months using these tools regularly.
Premium is pricey for a chess app
$99/year for Diamond membership is steep. The free tier limits puzzles and analysis. Wish there was a middle-tier option for casual improvers.
Daily puzzles are my ritual
The daily puzzle is the first thing I do every morning. Quick mental workout that keeps my tactical skills sharp. Simple feature with big impact.
Bullet chess is thrilling
Playing 1-minute bullet chess is the most intense gaming experience on mobile. Pure adrenaline, quick thinking, and the satisfaction of flagging opponents.
Queens Gambit effect is real
Netflix made chess cool again and Chess.com was ready. The community has grown massively and the average player quality has improved. Great time to play chess online.
Game review teaches from mistakes
The post-game analysis showing your mistakes, missed tactics, and best moves is the fastest way to improve. Learning from your own games is powerful.
Cheaters exist
Ran into players clearly using engines. Chess.com catches many but some slip through. When you lose to an 800-rated player making all computer moves, you know.
Best mobile chess experience
Tried Lichess and other chess apps but Chess.com has the best mobile experience. The interface is polished and the features are comprehensive.
Streaming integration is fun
Following chess streamers and watching their games live through the app adds an entertainment dimension. The chess streaming community is surprisingly engaging.
Clubs and tournaments
Joining chess clubs and competing in online tournaments adds structure and social elements. Regular tournament play keeps me motivated.
Intimidating for beginners
As a complete beginner the rating system and experienced players can be intimidating. Better beginner matchmaking and more guided introduction would help.
Brain training that actually works
Unlike most "brain training" apps, chess genuinely improves pattern recognition, planning, and calculation. Its the OG brain training game.
Variants add spice
Chess960, Bughouse, and other variants keep things fresh when standard chess feels stale. The variant options add longevity.
Rating system is motivating
Watching my rating climb from 600 to 1400 over a year is incredibly satisfying. The ELO system provides clear measurable progress.
Play against friends easily
Creating private games with friends is easy. The friend system and challenge feature makes casual play between friends seamless.
Chess renaissance enabled by this app
Chess.com has enabled a chess renaissance. More people are playing chess now than any time in history, largely thanks to this app. Cultural impact.
Server lag in rapid games
Occasional server lag during rapid and bullet games costs precious seconds and sometimes games. For time-sensitive chess formats, stability is critical.
Opening explorer is invaluable
The opening explorer showing popular moves and win rates helps me build a repertoire. Understanding opening theory through data is a modern advantage.
The complete chess package
Play, learn, analyze, solve puzzles, watch streams, read articles - Chess.com is the complete chess ecosystem. Everything a chess player needs.
Showing 1-20 of 12,847 reviews
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Last updated: April 2026