PlunderChess in IOS

...where no brain has gone...

Walkthrough, Guilds, Tips on this special game

Our Expert Score

76/100

Plunderchess is a fascinating twist on the oldest game in the world. By allowing pieces to 'plunder' the abilities of the pieces they capture, it turns standard chess strategy on its head. Imagine a Pawn that can suddenly move like a Knight, or a Bishop that can jump over pieces. It adds a layer of chaotic unpredictability that makes every match feel fresh.

While purists might find the changes jarring, it’s a great way to breathe new life into a classic format. The app itself is functional and easy to navigate, though it lacks some of the bells and whistles of larger chess platforms. It’s a great 'what-if' scenario that forces you to discard your memorized openings and think on your feet. For any chess fan looking for a fun diversion, it’s definitely worth a look.

Dinsun reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

Version 1.23.1Tue Mar 28 2023

New Ranked matches with Leaderboard.

Improved interface design

Bug fixes


Introducing PlunderChess®…

If Chess is fun (and it is!) then PlunderChess® is EXPONENTIALLY FUN!

Imagine playing chess like you always do, however, this time, upon making a capture, the chess piece doing the kill is then allowed to "take on" added moving capabilities directly from its spoils, and use those newly acquired capabilities on one future move!... henceforth.... you have PLUNDERCHESS®! You will quickly be hooked!

Features of PlunderChess® App:

1) Colored Vests overlaying 2D chess pieces to indicate plundered powers.

2) Practice board to build strategies and enhance your tactics.

3) Analysis board to test active game piece maneuvers.

4) Supports both Live play.

5) Text chat with your opponent.

6) Competitive AI opponent with 5 skill levels.

7) Mate in 1 and Mate in 2 puzzle packs

8) Cross platform online play support

YouTube:

Check out our YouTube video clips…. enter: plunderchess in the search field.

Read what others are saying about the PlunderChess® board game:

1) Cathi, Editor for NY State Empire Chess Magazine…Product Review…

“This is an amazing and exciting new game which takes off from the regular game of chess using a regular chess board. We discovered it at the famous USATE Tournament, brought it home, and it has become a favorite game at home, and among chess fans at our local chess club….”

2) Becca, 12 year old student writes…

“My family and i love plunderchess!! it is the best ever!! we're always playing it! I used 2 dread it when my family played chess bc 2 me it was boring. but PLUNDERchess, now thats another story. its easy to understand and FUN!”

Here are a few of the BASIC Rules of PlunderChess® Play:

1) "Plundering" occurs when a chess piece captures an opposing piece and "plunders" or "acquires" additional moving capabilities directly from the piece it just captured, hence, strengthening the capturing piece! This plundering is illustrated by the overlaying of a colored banner (called "vests") on the piece that made the capture. Image illustrations provided.

2) The added moving capability provided by a plundered vest may be used one time only on any future move. (I.e., the plundered vest may be used on it's very next move or carried around on the board and used later in the game, but only once.)

3) Plundering is optional and may be declined by the player making the capture. YES, sometimes you do NOT want to plunder a vest from the spoils of the kill!! The case for NOT plundering would be if you suspect your opponent will immediately capture you back (making a "trade") and acquire the vest you just plundered! (See rule #9)

4) When plundering is elected, a "colored vest banner" that corresponds to the moving capabilities being plundered, gets overlaid upon the chess piece that made the kill. This vest banner signifies to both players that the piece wearing it now has extra moving capabilities for one future move.


Requires iOS 11.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Introducing PlunderChess®…

If Chess is fun (and it is!) then PlunderChess® is EXPONENTIALLY FUN!

Imagine playing chess like you always do, however, this time, upon making a capture, the chess piece doing the kill is then allowed to "take on" added moving capabilities directly from its spoils, and use those newly acquired capabilities on one future move!... henceforth.... you have PLUNDERCHESS®! You will quickly be hooked!

Features of PlunderChess® App:

1) Colored Vests overlaying 2D chess pieces to indicate plundered powers.

2) Practice board to build strategies and enhance your tactics.

3) Analysis board to test active game piece maneuvers.

4) Supports both Live play.

5) Text chat with your opponent.

6) Competitive AI opponent with 5 skill levels.

7) Mate in 1 and Mate in 2 puzzle packs

8) Cross platform online play support

YouTube:

Check out our YouTube video clips…. enter: plunderchess in the search field.

Read what others are saying about the PlunderChess® board game:

1) Cathi, Editor for NY State Empire Chess Magazine…Product Review…

“This is an amazing and exciting new game which takes off from the regular game of chess using a regular chess board. We discovered it at the famous USATE Tournament, brought it home, and it has become a favorite game at home, and among chess fans at our local chess club….”

2) Becca, 12 year old student writes…

“My family and i love plunderchess!! it is the best ever!! we're always playing it! I used 2 dread it when my family played chess bc 2 me it was boring. but PLUNDERchess, now thats another story. its easy to understand and FUN!”

Here are a few of the BASIC Rules of PlunderChess® Play:

1) "Plundering" occurs when a chess piece captures an opposing piece and "plunders" or "acquires" additional moving capabilities directly from the piece it just captured, hence, strengthening the capturing piece! This plundering is illustrated by the overlaying of a colored banner (called "vests") on the piece that made the capture. Image illustrations provided.

2) The added moving capability provided by a plundered vest may be used one time only on any future move. (I.e., the plundered vest may be used on it's very next move or carried around on the board and used later in the game, but only once.)

3) Plundering is optional and may be declined by the player making the capture. YES, sometimes you do NOT want to plunder a vest from the spoils of the kill!! The case for NOT plundering would be if you suspect your opponent will immediately capture you back (making a "trade") and acquire the vest you just plundered! (See rule #9)

4) When plundering is elected, a "colored vest banner" that corresponds to the moving capabilities being plundered, gets overlaid upon the chess piece that made the kill. This vest banner signifies to both players that the piece wearing it now has extra moving capabilities for one future move.


Ratings & Reviews

4.5 out of 5 with 50 Counts
Age Rating 4+

Screenshots

PlunderChess screenshot 1PlunderChess screenshot 2PlunderChess screenshot 3PlunderChess screenshot 4PlunderChess screenshot 5PlunderChess screenshot 6PlunderChess screenshot 7PlunderChess screenshot 8PlunderChess screenshot 9PlunderChess screenshot 10PlunderChess screenshot 11PlunderChess screenshot 12PlunderChess screenshot 13PlunderChess screenshot 14

PlunderChess® is an exciting variation of chess that allows pieces to temporarily acquire the moving capabilities of the pieces they capture. This added layer of strategy transforms the game, making even a lowly pawn a potential threat with the right capture. Play against the computer or challenge friends in this brain-teasing tactical experience.

Features

1

Unique 'capture and move' mechanics

2

Play against AI or human opponents

3

Tutorials for new players

4

Fresh take on classic chess strategy

Tips

News on this game

PlunderChess – adding a new twist

Imagine what would happen if your chessmen could acquire additional moving capabilities as they played? What if your queen could move as a...

Chess News | ChessBase - Sat Apr 02 2005

Gameplays

Q&A

No, a plundered move is a one-time power-up. Once used, the piece reverts to its original movement style.

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