# Chess Academy - Play & Learn — Learn chess step by step

> Learn and play chess with structured lessons, puzzles, and AI opponents. (iPhone/iPad app by Thomas Gamull.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-academy-play-and-learn/id6757827762 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Thomas Gamull](https://appshunter.io/developer/1836174192)
- Category: Games, Education, Board, Strategy
- Price: $0.99
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.1 · 32 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-01-15
- Data updated: 2026-08-22
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-academy-play-and-learn/id6757827762/reviews.md

## What is Chess Academy?

Finally, a chess app designed for learning, not monetization. No ads interrupting your games. No paywalls blocking lessons. No subscriptions. Just pure chess education for one simple price.

WHY CHESS ACADEMY?

Most chess apps are built for experienced players or cluttered with ads. Chess Academy was built from the ground up to teach chess properly, with clear explanations and interactive examples that actually make sense.

STRUCTURED LEARNING PATH

Start with how each piece moves, then progress through special rules like castling and en passant. Learn why openings are named after cities and players. Understand tactical patterns like forks, pins, and the famous Greek Gift sacrifice. Each lesson includes interactive boards and quizzes to cement your understanding.

PUZZLES THAT BUILD REAL SKILLS

Three difficulty levels with carefully curated positions. Each puzzle teaches a specific pattern you'll recognize in your own games. Hints when you're stuck. Stats to track which tactics need more work.

PLAY AND IMPROVE

Face an AI opponent adjustable from 400 to 1600 rating. Choose your time control or play untimed while learning. Track your ELO rating as you improve. Compete in match play or mini tournaments when you're ready.

EVERYTHING INCLUDED

- 20+ interactive lessons from beginner to advanced
- Famous games from chess history with commentary
- Dozens of tactical puzzles
- Multiple time controls: Bullet, Blitz, Rapid
- Game Center achievements and leaderboards
- iCloud sync across your devices

NO TRICKS, JUST CHESS

One price. Everything unlocked. Learn at your own pace without being nagged to upgrade or watch ads. Chess Academy respects your time and your intelligence.

Start playing better chess today.

## Key features

- Structured learning path
- Interactive lessons and quizzes
- Tactical puzzles with hints
- Adjustable AI opponent
- Game tracking and ELO rating
- Multiple time controls

## Chart rankings

- #163 in Top Paid · Board (US App Store)

## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-academy-play-and-learn/id6757827762/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Next page

*2026-02-03*

In chess basics it’s possible to go the next page when it consists of several sections. In special moves and others however, it is not. I only see one page and cannot continue. It seems like a great app, or it could be great even. If all of it worked.

**Developer response:** Thanks so much for the feedback. The special moves should now work and the other sections should be fixed in the next release (hopefully in 1-2 days).

### 4/5 — review

*2026-01-19*

thanks for the update on the puzzles but i cant complete hard 1 and 3
i think its a bug

**Developer response:** This will be fixed in v1.4 and expanded a lot showing openings (think sicilian defense), endgames also.  Thanks for calling it out.

## Frequently asked questions about Chess Academy

### What is Chess Academy?

Chess Academy is a mobile application designed for learning chess. It offers structured lessons, interactive examples, tactical puzzles, and an AI opponent to help users improve their game.

### How much does Chess Academy cost?

Chess Academy is available for a one-time purchase of $0.99. This price unlocks all features and content without any further charges.

### Does Chess Academy have ads?

No, Chess Academy is ad-free. The app is designed for pure chess education without interruptions from advertisements.

### What age rating does Chess Academy have?

Chess Academy has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for young children and older players alike.

### Can I play Chess Academy offline?

While the description doesn't explicitly state offline play, the focus on structured lessons and AI opponents suggests it may be playable without an internet connection for core features.

### How often is Chess Academy updated?

The latest version, 1.5.9, was released on February 25, 2026, indicating regular updates. The app was initially released on January 15, 2026.

### What devices support Chess Academy?

Chess Academy is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It also features iCloud sync across your devices.

### What are the learning features in Chess Academy?

Chess Academy includes over 20 interactive lessons covering piece movement, special rules, openings, and tactics. It also features tactical puzzles with hints and quizzes to reinforce learning.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.5.10 — 2026-04-20

- minor bug fixes

### 1.5.9 — 2026-02-25

Added sound effects throughout the app. Hear pieces move and capture, get audio feedback on check and checkmate, and enjoy sounds during puzzles and lessons. Sound effects can be toggled in Settings.

### 1.5.8 — 2026-02-07

- Fixed lesson screens missing next and back buttons preventing completion.

### 1.5.5 — 2026-02-07

- Fixed issues with page counts on lessons being incorrect

### 1.5.1 — 2026-02-03

New Chess Coach trainer mode with real-time coaching and guidance:
  - Dedicated split-layout screen with board and coaching panel
  - Position evaluation with detailed factor analysis
  - Tactical pattern detection (forks, pins, skewers, hanging pieces, back rank threats)
  - Opening book recognition with 25+ openings and ECO codes
  - Three-level hint system (Nudge, Hint, Show Best)
  - Mistake feedback with undo option for inaccuracies, mistakes, and blunders
  - Strategic plan suggestions based on game phase
  - Session statistics tracking
  - Custom position setup to analyze your own games
  - Choose to play as White or Black in training mode

## Apps similar to Chess Academy

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [MortalMind: Humanlike AI Chess](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mortalmind-humanlike-ai-chess/id6764228749) | — | Free | Games |
| [MoveSense: Chess Analysis](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/movesense-chess-analysis/id6768953352) | — | Free | Games |
| [Endspiel](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/endspiel/id6748887926) | — | Free | Games |
| [Recap: Chess Review & Puzzles](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recap-chess-review-and-puzzles/id6758646605) | 5.0 (4) | Free | Games |
| [Chess knight problem](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-knight-problem/id6752958315) | — | Free | Games |
| [ChessXpanse](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessxpanse/id6502375303) | 5.0 (3) | Free | Games |

## More apps by Thomas Gamull

- [HousePoints: Kids Chore Chart](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/housepoints-kids-chore-chart/id6751644793)
- [OurTurn](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ourturn/id6757726674)
- [Spades Academy - Play & Learn](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spades-academy-play-and-learn/id6757985114)
- [Pool Buddy - Calculator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pool-buddy-calculator/id6758017715)
- [Gin Rummy - Play & Learn](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gin-rummy-play-and-learn/id6758058305)

All apps by Thomas Gamull: https://appshunter.io/developer/1836174192

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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 2026-08-22.*