Item: Chess for Watch & Phone
Rating: 82
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

82/100

As an avid chess player, I’m always looking for ways to squeeze in a quick game during commutes or idle moments. Chess for Watch & Phone is a surprisingly robust implementation of the classic board game that feels right at home on the wrist. The developer has clearly prioritized functionality over flashy graphics, which is the right move for an Apple Watch title. The drag-to-highlight mechanic is intuitive and prevents the accidental moves that plague smaller touchscreens.

The AI offers a decent range of difficulty, making it accessible for beginners while still providing a light challenge for intermediate players in 'Hard' mode. While it lacks the deep engine analysis of professional desktop apps, it’s a perfect companion for casual play. The cross-device support is the standout feature; you can start a match on your phone and finish it on your watch. It’s a simple, polished, and efficient way to enjoy the game of kings without needing a physical board or a bulky laptop.

Reviewed on: Mon Dec 16 2024

Dinsun Review

Look, it’s chess. It’s hard to mess up a game that’s been perfect for a thousand years. The novelty here is playing on the Apple Watch. It works, though why anyone would want to strain their eyes on that tiny screen is beyond me. I prefer the phone version. The engine isn't going to beat a Grandmaster, but it’s fine for a casual match. It’s utilitarian. It doesn't try to sell you 'battle passes' for your bishops, which I appreciate. If you need a chess app that works on your watch, this is it. If not, there are better apps with more features.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Watch support
No ads
Simple

Basic features
Watch screen is too small for serious play

Technical Report

Performance: Very fast; minimal battery drain.

Accessibility:

Audience Fit

Buy if: You want to play chess on your Apple Watch specifically.

Skip if: You want deep tutorials or online competitive play.

Similar Games:

Chess.com
Lichess

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun
Hardware: Apple Watch Ultra / iPhone 14
Playtime: 4 hours
Status: Played multiple matches

The Game

Available on: Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, iPod

1491869018

$0.99 4+★3.8 59 reviews

Author : Diem Le

Pubish Date : Tue Dec 17 2019

Last Update Date : Tue Dec 17 2024

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 1.5.0Tue Dec 17 2024

* Update game balance.
An excellent board logic game CHESS, now available on your Watch & Phone:
- Play with AI (easy, medium, hard).
- Play with Friends (versus mode).
- Play on your Watch or Phone.
Tips: drag your finger to highlight locations.
Requires iOS 12.0 and watchOS 4.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
play on both Watch & Phone!
An excellent board logic game CHESS, now available on your Watch & Phone:
- Play with AI (easy, medium, hard).
- Play with Friends (versus mode).
- Play on your Watch or Phone.
Tips: drag your finger to highlight locations.

Ratings & Reviews

3.8 out of 5 with 59 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Chess for Watch & Phone brings the timeless strategy of Chess to your most personal devices. Designed with a clean interface, the game allows you to challenge a built-in AI with three difficulty levels or play locally with friends in versus mode. The game features a specialized control scheme where you drag your finger to highlight locations, ensuring precision even on the Apple Watch's compact display. Whether you are a casual player or a logic enthusiast, it provides a seamless experience across iOS and watchOS.

Features

Apple Watch Support

Three AI Difficulty Levels

Local Versus Mode

Drag-to-Highlight Controls

Castling Support

Tips

Getting Started

Choose between AI or Versus mode. On the Apple Watch, use the drag-to-highlight feature to select pieces and verify your target square before releasing.

Promotion Videos

Homemade Watch With Chess Inside! - YouTube

News on this game

Gameplays

Versatile Play

Switch between your iPhone for a full-view experience and your Apple Watch for quick moves on the go. The game includes features like castling and a final game summary screen.