# Mini Chess 5x5 — A minimalistic chess game

> Minimalistic 5x5 chess variant for AI or human play. (iPhone/iPad app by Golmium.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mini-chess-5x5/id1457707362 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Golmium](https://appshunter.io/developer/887238485)
- Category: Games, Board
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 3.50/5 from 79 App Store ratings · 30 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.0 · 10 MB
- Languages: French (France), German (Germany), American English, Latin American Spanish, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese
- Released: 2019-03-28
- Data updated: 2026-08-23
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mini-chess-5x5/id1457707362/reviews.md

## What is Mini Chess 5x5?

A chess variant on 5×5 board, the simplified version of the classic chess. You can play against the computer (several levels of difficulty) or use the app as a chess board when playing with a partner.
Exceptions from the standard chess rules: the pawn double-move and castling are not allowed.

## Key features

- 5x5 chess board variant
- Play against computer AI
- Multiple AI difficulty levels
- Two-player mode
- Simplified chess rules

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mini Chess 5x5 full version | $0.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 30)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mini-chess-5x5/id1457707362/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Don’t download

*2026-06-20*

This game is absolutely horrible

### 5/5 — Amazing!

*2025-10-23*

I like this game, because it is super simple and does not require internet. There’s just something about its simplicity that I adore. The fact that you get no reward for winning and no punishment for losing is honestly pretty neat. It’s clear they just want you to have fun. Good app, I definitely recommend it!

### 5/5 — Good game?

*2024-12-11*

I like this game. I’m sure there are better 5x5 chess games out there, but I like this one, because the “Expert” setting is way too easy. I like destroying the AI over and over again.

### 3/5 — Very hard

*2024-08-26*

Very hard on easy. The fun is in the play.

### 1/5 — O

*2024-07-30*

O

### 1/5 — After 2games I didn’t let me move a piece

*2024-07-02*

1

### 1/5 — Bad

*2024-06-29*

it says a pawn move is illegal as the first move that is one space

### 4/5 — Good and simple but

*2024-04-07*

Can you add online too?
It would be great also if you have options to promote to other pieces like knights or bishop or rook

### 3/5 — Lots of fun, would be cool to add more

*2024-02-18*

There were a couple minor bugs, like randomly reporting that first move as black is illegal. Usually not an issue. I think it would be cool to add more tinychess variants, like 6x6

### 5/5 — Amazing

*2023-11-18*

I really enjoy this app. Good job!

## Frequently asked questions about Mini Chess 5x5

### What is Mini Chess 5x5?

Mini Chess 5x5 is a simplified version of the classic chess game played on a smaller 5x5 board. It offers a unique chess experience with modified rules, making it quicker and more accessible.

### How can I play Mini Chess 5x5?

You can play against the computer with several difficulty levels, or use the app as a physical board to play with a partner. This provides flexibility for solo practice or social gaming.

### Are the rules the same as standard chess?

No, there are exceptions to standard chess rules. Specifically, the pawn double-move and castling are not allowed in this 5x5 variant, offering a distinct strategic challenge.

### Is Mini Chess 5x5 free to play?

The app is free to download and play, with options for in-app purchases. This allows users to enjoy the core game for free while offering additional content or features.

### What devices is Mini Chess 5x5 compatible with?

While specific compatibility details are not provided, mobile chess games are typically designed for both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Users can expect it to run on most modern mobile devices.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 5.1 — 2025-10-21

Improved distribution of game difficulty across levels
Pawn promotion is now fully implemented, allowing the player to choose the desired piece
Fixed a rare issue where repeated “illegal move” error alerts could appear and not clear properly
Support for Dark Mode added
New app icon

### 4.1 — 2022-08-14

This update fixes the following problems:
- Occasional illegal first move by computer when computer plays white
- Infrequent hanging of "Illegal move" warning 
Mac version of the game is updated, too

### 4.0 — 2021-08-31

- General update for iOS v.14
- Enhancements in the AI of the game
- Indication of the current difficulty level 
- Show error when putting the king in check or for some other wrong moves (optionally)
- A few other minor issues

### 3.1 — 2019-10-20

Various chess board appearances

### 3.0 — 2019-04-13

- GUI improvements
- Grandmaster difficulty level (in full version)
- Multiple board types (in full version)

## Apps similar to Mini Chess 5x5

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Chess Clash: Online & Offline](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-clash-online-and-offline/id1543399979) | 4.7 (3,130) | Free | Games |
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All apps by Golmium: https://appshunter.io/developer/887238485

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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 2026-08-23.*