# Imperial Chess > Comprehensive chess app with analysis, variants, and customization for all skill levels. (iPhone/iPad app by Victor Campeanu.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/imperial-chess/id1560190286 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Victor Campeanu](https://appshunter.io/developer/350128048) - Category: Games, Board, Family - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.33/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 17 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.0 · 97 MB - Languages: English, Romanian - Released: 2021-05-17 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/imperial-chess/id1560190286/reviews.md ## What is Imperial Chess? Experience the ultimate chess app with Imperial Chess, now packed with new features, improvements, and enhancements. Whether you're a beginner or a grandmaster, Imperial Chess offers everything you need to enjoy and improve your game. New Features: - Fischer Random Variant: Also known as Chess960, it emphasizes creativity and strategic thinking over memorized openings, offering a refreshing challenge for all skill levels. - Premove Feature: Plan your moves in advance for faster gameplay. - Evaluation Bar: Analyze your position with a real-time evaluation bar. - Replay Games: Relive your best games with the replay feature. - Display Captured Pieces: Keep track of captured pieces during games. - Low Time Alerts: Receive alerts when your time is running low. - Master Archives: Replay and study legendary games from chess legends with the Master Archives feature. - Import Games: Easily import games from PGN and FEN formats. - Export Games: Share your games as PGN or GIF files. - Fischer Random Positions Manager: Manage and set up Fischer Random positions with ease. - Custom App Icons: Personalize your app with custom icons. - Human-like Pieces Placement: Experience more realistic gameplay with human-like pieces placement. - Focus Mode: Display only the board for a distraction-free experience. - Game Center Leaderboards and Achievements. Improvements: - A More Intuitive and User-Friendly Settings Screen - More Balanced Levels: Tailored for different Elo ratings. - Better and Faster Hints - Smoother and More Visually Appealing Animations and Effects - Major Improvements to Memory and Battery Usage - mproved Play History - Mac and TV App Improvements - New and Improved Themes Additional Features: - Latest Stockfish Engine: Enjoy playing with the latest version of the powerful Stockfish engine. - Opening Books for All Levels: Access opening books that cater to players of all skill levels. - Custom Boards and Pieces: Customize your board and pieces to suit your style. - Multiple Notation Styles: Choose from various notation styles for recording moves. - Play Stats: Track your performance with detailed statistics. - iCloud Sync: Keep your games and progress synced across all your devices. - Available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV Discover a new world of chess with Imperial Chess. Download now and take your game to the next level! “Chess is life in miniature. Chess is a struggle, chess battles.” – Garry Kasparov ## Key features - Fischer Random Variant (Chess960) - Premove Feature - Evaluation Bar - Master Archives for legendary games - Import/Export Games (PGN, FEN, GIF) - Customizable boards and pieces - Latest Stockfish Engine ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Imperial Chess Pro | $1.99 | one-time | ## Recent user reviews (10 of 17) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/imperial-chess/id1560190286/reviews.md ### 5/5 — A lot of improvements have been made *2025-02-20* A lot of improvements have been made since I last opened this app. I could actually play a quick game with the engine now. Because it makes human like blunders. **Developer response:** New update is now live with great new features and balanced engine play. ### 2/5 — Missing Engines *2024-11-29* I updated from V 1.3 and was disappointed to see all other engines besides Stockfish 16 were deleted?!? Maia, Lc0, all gone! This was the main reason I considered Imperial Chess to be the best chess app by far! Sadly, dev claims the "out of date" engines were deleted however, Stockfish 16 is also outdated as 17 has been out for quite a while. Lack of engine choices makes Imperial Chess just like the others. Varied engine choices is what set it apart from all the rest. Please bring back Lc0, Maia at least, as these engine's playing styles are quite different from ubiquitous Stockfish. ### 5/5 — Great chess app *2024-09-02* I can beat it on Elo 1700. And I like that it is running Stockfish 16. ### 2/5 — New features in update, but lost its main attraction *2024-07-30* Gameplay against Maia distinguished this program's previous versions. The Latest update seems to have removed these engines. The only chess engine now offered is Stockfish. Well, there are plenty of better apps for playing against Stockfish. Sadly, there no longer is any compelling reason to use Imperial Chess. ### 2/5 — New features in update, but lost its main attraction *2024-07-18* Gameplay against Maia distinguished this program's previous versions. The Latest update seems to have removed these engines. The only chess engine now offered is Stockfish. Well, there are plenty of better apps for playing against Stockfish. There is no longer see any reason to use Imperial Chess. ### 4/5 — My Fav *2024-07-18* This is a great chess app! I only wish you'd bring back the other engines and maybe a 3D board. **Developer response:** Coming in next versions. ### 2/5 — Glitched on my first try of the game *2024-01-09* The game is so so, but there were always errors not allowing me to play. It even said Critical error and it showed a skull! Please help! **Developer response:** New update is now live with great new features! ### 5/5 — lovely *2023-09-01* i just eish it had, a begginer setting with challenges,and a session of historial analysis,other than that is amazing. ### 3/5 — Decent - but can’t save games *2023-08-20* Can’t export them either. **Developer response:** Export feature was added in the new update. ### 2/5 — new features would be nice *2023-03-10* 10 months no update. id like to know what Lc0 is plotting over there. ## Frequently asked questions about Imperial Chess ### What is the Fischer Random variant in Imperial Chess? The Fischer Random variant, also known as Chess960, shuffles the starting position of pieces to emphasize creativity and strategic thinking over memorized openings. It offers a refreshing challenge for all skill levels within Imperial Chess. ### Can I play Imperial Chess offline? Yes, Imperial Chess supports offline play, allowing you to enjoy games and practice without an internet connection. This makes it a great option for playing on the go. ### Does Imperial Chess have multiplayer options? While the description focuses on single-player features and analysis, the mention of Game Center Leaderboards and Achievements suggests competitive elements. Further details on direct multiplayer would require more information. ### How does Imperial Chess help me improve my game? Imperial Chess offers several features to help you improve, including an evaluation bar for real-time analysis, the ability to replay and study legendary games in the Master Archives, and access to opening books for all levels. ### What devices is Imperial Chess available on? Imperial Chess is available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, with iCloud Sync to keep your games and progress synced across all your devices. ### How often is Imperial Chess updated? The latest version, 2.3.2, was released on July 30, 2024, indicating active development. The app has received significant improvements to memory and battery usage in recent updates. ### Does Imperial Chess have ads? No, Imperial Chess does not contain advertisements. The app is free to download and play without interruptions from ads. ### Can I customize the look of Imperial Chess? Yes, Imperial Chess allows for extensive customization. You can personalize your app with custom icons, choose from new and improved themes, and select custom boards and pieces to suit your style. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 2.3.2 — 2024-07-30 - Focus Mode - Share game after it ends - Resign on any turn - fixed promotion from a premove - iPad improvements ### 2.3.1 — 2024-07-23 Game Center Leaderboards and Achievements From previous versions: Version 2 brings a major update to Imperial Chess, packed with new features, improvements, and enhancements. Here's what's new: Removed: - Outdated engines that were not updated have been removed to ensure better performance and reliability. Added: - Fischer Random Variant: Also known as Chess960, it emphasizes creativity and strategic thinking over memorized openings, offering a refreshing challenge for all skill levels. - Premove feature for faster gameplay - Evaluation Bar: analyze your position with a real-time evaluation bar - Replay Games: relive your best games with the replay feature - Display Captured Pieces during games - Low Time Alerts - Master Archives: Replay and study legendary games from chess legends with the Master Archives feature - Import Games from PGN and FEN formats - Export Games as PGN or GIF files - Fischer Random Positions: manage and set up Fischer Random positions with ease - Custom App Icons - Human-like pieces placement to experience a more realistic gameplay - Focus Mode: Display only the board for a distraction-free experience. Improvements: - A more intuitive and user-friendly Settings screen - More balanced levels tailored for different Elo ratings - Better and faster hints - Smoother and more visually appealing animations and effects - Major improvements to app size, memory and battery usage - Improved Play History - Mac and TV App Improvements - New and Improved Themes More exciting updates will come in the near future! ### 2.2 — 2024-07-17 Version 2 brings a major update to Imperial Chess, packed with new features, improvements, and enhancements. Here's what's new: Removed: - Outdated engines that were not updated have been removed to ensure better performance and reliability. Added: - Fischer Random Variant: Also known as Chess960, it emphasizes creativity and strategic thinking over memorized openings, offering a refreshing challenge for all skill levels. - Premove feature for faster gameplay - Evaluation Bar: analyze your position with a real-time evaluation bar - Replay Games: relive your best games with the replay feature - Display Captured Pieces during games - Low Time Alerts - Master Archives: Replay and study legendary games from chess legends with the Master Archives feature - Import Games from PGN and FEN formats - Export Games as PGN or GIF files - Fischer Random Positions: manage and set up Fischer Random positions with ease - Custom App Icons - Human-like pieces placement to experience a more realistic gameplay - Focus Mode: Display only the board for a distraction-free experience. Improvements: - A more intuitive and user-friendly Settings screen - More balanced levels tailored for different Elo ratings - Better and faster hints - Smoother and more visually appealing animations and effects - Major improvements to app size, memory and battery usage - Improved Play History - Mac and TV App Improvements - New and Improved Themes More exciting updates will come in the near future! ### 2.1 — 2024-07-15 Version 2 brings a major update to Imperial Chess, packed with new features, improvements, and enhancements. Here's what's new: Removed: - Outdated engines that were not updated have been removed to ensure better performance and reliability. Added: - Fischer Random Variant: Also known as Chess960, it emphasizes creativity and strategic thinking over memorized openings, offering a refreshing challenge for all skill levels. - Premove feature for faster gameplay - Evaluation Bar: analyze your position with a real-time evaluation bar - Replay Games: relive your best games with the replay feature - Display Captured Pieces during games - Low Time Alerts - Master Archives: Replay and study legendary games from chess legends with the Master Archives feature - Import Games from PGN and FEN formats - Export Games as PGN or GIF files - Fischer Random Positions: manage and set up Fischer Random positions with ease - Custom App Icons - Human-like pieces placement to experience a more realistic gameplay Improvements: - A more intuitive and user-friendly Settings screen - More balanced levels tailored for different Elo ratings - Better and faster hints - Smoother and more visually appealing animations and effects - Major improvements to app size, memory and battery usage - Improved Play History - Mac and TV App Improvements - New and Improved Themes More exciting updates will come in the near future! ### 2.0 — 2024-07-10 Version 2 brings a major update to Imperial Chess, packed with new features, improvements, and enhancements. Here's what's new: Removed: - Outdated engines that were not updated have been removed to ensure better performance and reliability. Added: - Fischer Random Variant: Also known as Chess960, it emphasizes creativity and strategic thinking over memorized openings, offering a refreshing challenge for all skill levels. - Premove feature for faster gameplay - Evaluation Bar: analyze your position with a real-time evaluation bar - Replay Games: relive your best games with the replay feature - Display Captured Pieces during games - Low Time Alerts - Master Archives: Replay and study legendary games from chess legends with the Master Archives feature - Import Games from PGN and FEN formats - Export Games as PGN or GIF files - Fischer Random Positions: manage and set up Fischer Random positions with ease - Custom App Icons - Human-like pieces placement to experience a more realistic gameplay Improvements: - A more intuitive and user-friendly Settings screen - More balanced levels tailored for different Elo ratings - Better and faster hints - Smoother and more visually appealing animations and effects - Major improvements to app size, memory and battery usage - Improved Play History - Mac and TV App Improvements - New and Improved Themes More exciting updates will come in the near future! ## Apps similar to Imperial Chess | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Chess Royale](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-royale/id1434658250) | 4.5 (19,372) | Free | Games | | [Chess Tactics Pro (Puzzles)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-tactics-pro-puzzles/id903380719) | 4.7 (3,582) | Free | Games | | [SmallFish Chess for Stockfish](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smallfish-chess-for-stockfish/id675049147) | 4.8 (4,350) | $8.99 | Games | | [Square Off Chess- Play & Learn](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/square-off-chess-play-and-learn/id1267805783) | 4.4 (2,978) | Free | Games | | [Chess ∙](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess/id311395856) | 4.5 (192,540) | Free | Games | | [Chess.com - Play and Learn](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chesscom-play-and-learn/id329218549) | 4.8 (101,618) | Free | Games | ## More apps by Victor Campeanu - [Integrame Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/integrame-pro/id421647089) - [Aeroplanes](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aeroplanes/id662509309) - [Dicționar și Translator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dictionar-si-translator/id733342424) - [The Lottery - Lucky Numbers Generator and Simulator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-lottery-lucky-numbers-generator-and-simulator/id778007827) - [Cinemagic - discover great movies](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cinemagic-discover-great-movies/id887028495) - [PicMe Camera](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/picme-camera/id933652950) All apps by Victor Campeanu: https://appshunter.io/developer/350128048 --- *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 2026-06-10.*