Notation: Chess Coach

Notation: Chess Coach

Learn why, not just what.

6 ratings
6 reviews
$2.99

Details

Released
March 19, 2026
Updated
October 29, 2026

Features

Notation: Chess Coach screenshot #1 for iPhone
Notation: Chess Coach screenshot #2 for iPhone
Notation: Chess Coach screenshot #3 for iPhone
Notation: Chess Coach screenshot #4 for iPhone
Notation: Chess Coach screenshot #5 for iPhone
Notation: Chess Coach screenshot #6 for iPhone
Notation: Chess Coach screenshot #7 for iPhone
Notation: Chess Coach screenshot #8 for iPhone
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About

This app provides in-depth chess coaching by explaining the 'why' behind moves, not just the 'what'. It uses advanced on-device analysis and multiple coaching frameworks to offer personalized game reviews, player profiles, and opponent scouting.

✓On-device chess analysis with Stockfish 18
✓Multiple grandmaster-level coaching frameworks
✓Detailed game reviews and player profiles
✓Opponent scouting and matchup reports
✓Play with physical chess boards via Bluetooth
✓Privacy-focused design with no tracking
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What's New in Notation

4.0.0

October 29, 2026

So much is new - its been a while but back with a major update. Thanks to Apple's on device Foundation Models - Nadia Is now on device on all Apple Intelligence supported devices! Optionally you can use a cloud LLM provider with your own key. iPhone Duo support is in *beta* Localisation - Nadia has hit up the language learning apps over the summer, and now speaks English, German, Spanish and French! Plus full app translation throughout!

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User reviews

Good concept doesn’t work

The game explanations disappear after one second, and the imported games can’t be accessed by the app

Neat idea, but buggy as hell.

Pieces end up not where you placed them or opponent pieces are not where they are indicated. Has this been tested at all? Like the idea but clearly not ready for primetime yet.

Good Idea

This app looks very promising but it needs a lot of work to run well. The UI isn’t well structured and under MacOS the game crushes. Please, keep on developing!

Good app but I think there’s a bug in the most crucial part

So I downloaded the app a few days ago and finally was able to see its contents and wanted to learn about chess outside of what most people utilize. I went into the section that said library and “road to GM” and everything ran smoothly I liked what I was learning. I finished the lessons but every time I try to get into a match to help me progress any further the app crashes the moment I try to make a first move. The device I utilize is
the Apple iPhone XR (model MT3L2LL/A) is a 64GB White model designed for the US/Canada market (model identifier A1984)
Is my phone incompatible? I don’t want to wish for a refund I just want that issue resolved please. I would greatly appreciate it if you would reply to my message so I can better direct my next move.
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Buggy and unusable

Can’t even play a single game of chess every time a game starts the app closes.
There are mistakes in the tuition which should have been easy catches, ie check mate when the king can take the rook so it’s not mate making it unusable.
If it was free I could forgive it but this is a paid app.
Looks like it was made purely to cash grab and not by someone who loves chess.
I say pass on this one.
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Response from developer

You have since come back to say you are using a 3rd gen iPad Air. That's far below anything I have to hand to test on, more recent devices are fine, so please refund. I can add a warning to the description, but cannot restrict further than that sadly.

Developer apps

FAQ

What is Notation's primary function?

Notation is a chess coaching app designed to teach players the reasoning behind moves, not just the moves themselves. It utilizes advanced on-device analysis and multiple coaching frameworks to provide comprehensive insights into games.

Does Notation have ads?

No, Notation is ad-free. The app is a one-time purchase with no subscriptions, ads, or tracking, ensuring an uninterrupted learning experience.

What are the coaching frameworks used by Notation?

Notation employs three distinct coaching frameworks: Dan Heisman's seven positional elements, Jeremy Silman's coaching emphasis frames, and Jacob Aagaard's positional predicates. These are all computed on-device.

Can I use Notation with a physical chess board?

Yes, Notation supports playing on physical boards by pairing with Chessnut Air, Pro, Go, Air+, and Move over Bluetooth. The app tracks every move and provides coaching in real-time.

How does Notation handle user privacy?

Notation is built with privacy in mind, with Stockfish and all coaching classifiers running on-device. Any optional cloud AI integration requires the user's own API key, ensuring data is not shared with the app.

What is the pricing for Notation?

Notation is available for a one-time purchase of $2.99. There are no subscriptions or additional costs associated with the core functionality.

What devices is Notation compatible with?

Notation is available for iPhone and iPad devices. It is rated for ages 4 and up.

How often is Notation updated?

The latest version of Notation is 4.0.0, last updated on October 29, 2026. The app was initially released on March 19, 2026.