Really Bad Chess

Name: Really Bad Chess
Rating: 3.8 (1633 reviews)
Author: Zach Gage

By: Zach Gage App

Chess minus memorization

Overview

Version:

1.7.2

Last updated: 2026-09-10

Ranking

#48,552 ▼ 46

Overall

Features & Capabilities

Really Bad Chess is chess with totally random pieces, offering a fresh challenge even for seasoned players. Try 8 Knights, 4 Bishops, and 3 pawns — it’s chaotic yet familiar, and has earned coverage from NPR’s Weekend Edition and praise from outlets like The Verge and Pocket Gamer.

The app includes a Freeplay mode and AI-powered Ranked, Daily, and Weekly challenges. A single in-app purchase unlocks Versus Mode to play with friends locally, and also removes ads, shows captured pieces, and adds customizable color palettes.

User Growth & Download Statistics

App Games Entertainment

By:

Zach Gage

Rating:

3.80

(1,633)

Version:

1.7.2 Last updated: 2026-09-10

Version code:

890843351

Creation date:

2016-10-13

Compatible devices:

Size:

125.08MB

URLs:

Website ,Privacy policy

Full description:

Source:

Apple Apps Store

Data ingested on:

2026-09-22

Compare stats and ranking:

Ranking

# 48,552 ▼ 46

For Developers

Monetize with App Pass Boost with Extension Booster

Contact the developer

Chrome-Stats does not own this Apple app. Please use these information below to contact the Apple app developer.

Developed by:

Zach Gage

Apple Apps Store

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/really-bad-chess/id1109751921

Website:

http://www.reallybadchess.com/presskit

User Reviews

Really Bad Chess is praised for its innovative daily-board concept and training value, with players noting skill improvements. However, recurring downsides include intrusive ads, compatibility and scaling issues on older devices, various bugs and AI quirks, potential loss of purchases after updates, and disruptive UI/animation changes. Overall sentiment centers on admiration for the concept and learning potential, tempered by persistent usability and stability problems.

Pros

Innovative daily/random-piece board that can teach and improve chess.
Fun, engaging gameplay with real training value that some players report improving their ELO.
Strong developer reputation and support, with praise like 'Absolute genius' and continued updates.
Good for beginners/intermediate players, offering teachable moments and practice.
Relaxing, accessible way to play chess and unwind.

Cons

Ads are excessive and intrusive, with complaints about frequent ads and paywall frustrations.
Compatibility and UI scaling problems after updates, especially on older devices (older iPhones/iPads) and screen sizing issues.
Bugs and AI behavior concerns, including pieces disappearing, endless loops, stalemate issues, and lag in ranked mode.
Progress and paid features can reset or require repurchase after updates.
UI changes/animations are distracting and users request a toggle option for animations.

Recent reviews

I love this game, it’s fun and I can play quick games of mini whenever I want. HOWEVER the ai does this thing where it will get you and the bot down to such low material that you physically cannot win or force a draw. Because of this you are forced to resign. This might be a skill issue on my part but I also think that you should add some sort of detection to avoid this situation occurring. I’m not saying add the 3 time rule back, but maybe just check for ample material before letting the ai make its next move or something like that.

by _G*****, 2026-09-03

I love playing chess casually. Undo. Random pieces weighted in my favor. Easy controls. Last major update a bit of a bummer. I only use Free Play but now that button is buried one screen deeper. There’s lots of new buttons bearing NEW tags, and they get to be wearing quickly. Most go away when I try the new mode, but I can’t get Daily Modes’ flag to go away.