# Really Bad Chess

> Chess minus memorization

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1109751921](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1109751921)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id1109751921`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Zach Gage
- **Category:** Board
- **Rating:** 3.80 / 5 (1,633 ratings)
- **Version:** 1.7.2
- **Last updated:** 2026-09-10
- **First published:** 2016-10-13
- **Size:** 125 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-22
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/really-bad-chess/id1109751921)
- **Website:** [http://www.reallybadchess.com/presskit](http://www.reallybadchess.com/presskit)
- **Privacy policy:** [http://stfj.net/app-privacy.html](http://stfj.net/app-privacy.html)

## Description

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.

## Rankings

- #48,552 — Overall

## Review summary

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.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1109751921)