# BanksiaGUI — A model chess GUI

> A feature-rich chess application with multiple strong engines and analysis tools. (iPhone/iPad app by Nguyen Pham.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/banksiagui/id1534720619 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Nguyen Pham](https://appshunter.io/developer/312297009)
- Category: Games, Board
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.36/5 from 11 App Store ratings · 13 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 14.0 · 70 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2020-11-19
- Data updated: 2026-06-04
- Monetization: ad-supported
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/banksiagui/id1534720619/reviews.md

## What is BanksiaGUI?

Engines:
- Stockfish, version: 13Dev, author: Stockfish team
- LeelaChessZero, version:  0.26.3, author: LeelaChessZero team
- Ethereal, version: 12.50, author: Andrew Grant
- Xiphos, version: 0.5, author: Milos Tatarevic
- Defenchess, version: 2.2, author: Can Cetin, Dogac Eldenk
- RubiChess, version: 1.8, author: Andreas Matthies
- Laser, version: 1.6, author: Jeffrey An, Michael An
- Igel, version: 2.6, author: Medvedev, Shcherbyna

Features:
- Play vs very strong Chinese chess engine
- Setup time controller
- Setup Skill level (to adjust playing strength)
- Can take back
- Support Analysing on fly mode
- Display all computing info, show analysing arrow 
- Voice moves as well as simple sounds 
- Has an internal Opening book
- Can run the benchmark
- Custom chess pieces, board materials
- Support both Light and Dark Appearance modes
- Edit position
- Autosave/load playing game
- Paste FEN, PGN
- Copy, email FEN, PGN, image
- On, off or hybrid NNUE mode
- Release with source-code (GPL license) thus anyone can check, verify and/or contribute

## Key features

- Play against multiple strong chess engines
- Real-time game analysis
- Customizable appearance modes
- Voice and sound move notifications
- Internal opening book
- Edit board positions
- Autosave/load game functionality

## Recent user reviews (10 of 13)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/banksiagui/id1534720619/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Buggy

*2023-05-19*

Would be a good app if it worked consistently. It moves or doesn’t at whim. Can’t make sense of why, sometimes, it won’t move or won’t let me move. Move Now doesn’t work.

### 5/5 — Very strong Engines

*2023-05-12, version 1.0*

But a Update will make the app even better.

### 1/5 — Can not access Options, Level Menus?

*2022-12-15*

If I click on Options, Level, the window swipes momentarily to the respective window then immediately swipes back ti the board not allowing me to make any changes. Very frustrating as I only downloaded this app to play against Lc0 engine and I can't change it! Please fix! I will try compiling it from source next from your github to test. Ios 14.8 on iPhone 7.

### 4/5 — Great app

*2022-05-07*

I like the app But I wish there was mode for computer vs computer

### 4/5 — Great app, no customisations for engine

*2022-04-05*

Hello I love this app and all of its features but I would like there to be an option to app your own engines. Otherwise great.

### 2/5 — Can‘t be used with current errors

*2021-06-02, version 1.0*

Great programme, no doubt. I use it on PC without Problems.
On iOS the menu ítems Level and options just briefly pop up for a second and the board screen reappears.

### 3/5 — Bedienungsfehler

*2021-05-30, version 1.0*

Level und Option lassen sich nicht bedienen. Screen Switches zurück zum Schachbrett. Bitte Fehler beheben.

### 1/5 — Request to fix

*2021-05-29*

When I click the Options button, the option page flashes up for 1 second and returns to the chess board! Same thing happens when Level button is clicked. Can this be fixed ?(I cannot rate this app because of dis functional buttons)

### 1/5 — Design und performance

*2021-02-14, version 1.0*

Design und performance von menus sehr ruckelig.
Unsinnige Einstellungen von Engines sind da aber viele UCI Parameter fehlen 

Für wen soll diese Schach App sein.
iPad landscape layout komplett fehlerhaft .

Das geht besser

### 5/5 — Super App für IOS

*2021-01-21, version 1.0*

Also diese App hat alles was das Herz bewegt.
LC0 und Stockfish nnue auf dem iPad.

## Frequently asked questions about BanksiaGUI

### Does BanksiaGUI have ads?

Yes, BanksiaGUI contains advertisements. As a free application, ads are displayed to support its development and maintenance.

### What chess engines are supported by BanksiaGUI?

BanksiaGUI supports a variety of strong chess engines including Stockfish (v13Dev), LeelaChessZero (v0.26.3), Ethereal (v12.50), Xiphos (v0.5), Defenchess (v2.2), RubiChess (v1.8), Laser (v1.6), and Igel (v2.6).

### Can I adjust the playing strength in BanksiaGUI?

Yes, BanksiaGUI allows you to set the skill level to adjust the playing strength of the engine, making it suitable for beginners and advanced players alike.

### Does BanksiaGUI offer offline play?

The description does not explicitly mention offline play, but given it supports local engines and game analysis, it is likely designed to function without an internet connection for core gameplay.

### What devices is BanksiaGUI available on?

BanksiaGUI is available on watch, iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, offering a versatile experience across Apple's ecosystem.

### How often is BanksiaGUI updated?

BanksiaGUI was last updated on November 19, 2020, with version 1.0. The release date is also November 19, 2020, indicating it has not received recent updates.

### What is the user sentiment for BanksiaGUI?

BanksiaGUI has a rating of 3.4 stars from 11 ratings. This suggests a mixed user reception, with some users finding value in its features while others may have encountered issues or desired improvements.

### Can I customize the appearance of BanksiaGUI?

Yes, BanksiaGUI offers custom chess pieces and board materials, as well as support for both Light and Dark Appearance modes, allowing for a personalized visual experience.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.0 — 2020-11-19

No release notes.

## Apps similar to BanksiaGUI

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [ChessPrep](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessprep/id6469808213) | 3.0 (2) | Free | Games |
| [Chess-Studio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-studio/id684224545) | 4.7 (110) | $3.99 | Games |
| [Chess 2 in 1 for Watch & Phone](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-2-in-1-for-watch-and-phone/id1544593870) | 4.4 (36) | Free | Games |
| [Super Chess for Watch & Phone](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/super-chess-for-watch-and-phone/id1599064732) | 3.5 (16) | Free | Games |
| [Openings Mastermind](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openings-mastermind/id6448386251) | 4.0 (4) | Free | Games |
| [Chess Studio Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-studio-lite/id694586937) | 4.4 (11) | Free | Games |

## More apps by Nguyen Pham

- [Nude Art](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nude-art/id583729218)
- [Composite Photo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/composite-photo/id590158659)
- [Advance AR Fidget Spinners](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/advance-ar-fidget-spinners/id1250029385)
- [AR Measuring Tape](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ar-measuring-tape/id1268406898)
- [ARDraw](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ardraw/id1271173799)

All apps by Nguyen Pham: https://appshunter.io/developer/312297009

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-04.*