# Simple chess board

> Board

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id531158560](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id531158560)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id531158560`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Luis Lopez
- **Category:** Board
- **Rating:** 4.50 / 5 (67 ratings)
- **Version:** 1.2.3
- **Last updated:** 2023-12-05
- **First published:** 2012-07-05
- **Size:** 8.96 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-09
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/simple-chess-board/id531158560)
- **Website:** [http://simplechessboard.luistels.com](http://simplechessboard.luistels.com/)
- **Privacy policy:** [http://www.luistels.com/no\_data\_policy\_en\_admob.html](http://www.luistels.com/no_data_policy_en_admob.html)

## Description

Simple chess board with free movement and a built-in clock. Move pieces freely, add or remove them, and use starting positions for chess and checkers. Undo/redo moves and rotate the board or individual pieces to suit your view.

The clock is configurable with initial time, move time, and increments, with options to run black and white times independently. Save/load positions, swipe to delete unused boards, and tweet your current position to share a moment from your game.

## Rankings

- #158,408 — Overall

## Review summary

Users praise Simple chess board for its minimalist, easy-to-use design and its usefulness as a study tool: a board-only environment with save-and-review capabilities that suits studying books and diagrams. Recurrent drawbacks include save reliability (requires text input), color/contrast problems, and the fact that the program allows illegal moves, which can hamper learning. Some desire PGN export/import and better screen layout options. Overall, it’s valued for portability and focus, with several fixes requested to improve usability and features.

### Pros

- Simple, easy-to-use interface with clear graphics for studying and practicing chess without engine help.
- Board-only design ideal for studying from books and diagrams, with no computer hints.
- Ability to save, delete, and switch between multiple saved boards for ongoing study.
- Nice to be able to back up and step through moves to review variations.

### Cons

- Saving positions often requires a text title and can fail ('You must insert text'), making saves unreliable.
- The app allows illegal moves (pieces not bound by the rules), which can mislead learners.
- Color/contrast issues make dark pieces hard to see on dark squares.
- Occasional usability quirks like unstable dragging or setup glitches.
- Lacks features like PGN export/import and full-screen/portrait options on iPad.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id531158560)