# Pocket Chess Book — Chess PGN editor

> Portable chess PGN editor and analysis tool with offline capabilities. (iPhone/iPad app by Maksym Butsykin.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-chess-book/id1578743658 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Maksym Butsykin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1578743660)
- Category: Games, Books, Strategy
- Price: $7.99
- Rating: 3.69/5 from 13 App Store ratings · 8 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 77 MB
- Languages: English, Russian
- Released: 2021-08-03
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-chess-book/id1578743658/reviews.md

## What is Pocket Chess Book?

Blazing fast portable chess PGN editor ever
- works offline (internet connection needed for iCloud sync & openings book)
- full PGN editor mode
- library scan & search
- practice your lines with computer
- instantly open PGN in app
- lichess openings explorer (requires internet connection)
- board Editor
- analyse with latest Stockfish NNUE
- store unlimited game collections
- browse move variations
- read annotated games
- regular updates
and much more

## Key features

- Offline PGN editing
- Computer practice mode
- Stockfish NNUE analysis
- Board editor
- Unlimited game collections
- Lichess openings explorer

## Recent user reviews (8 of 8)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-chess-book/id1578743658/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Due an update?

*2025-02-12, version 3.6.1*

I like the idea of the app but it keeps crashing on new iOS version. Maybe due an update? Also graphical annotations on imported PGNs do not show at all. And Null moves are not supported - that is a deal breaker.

### 5/5 — Зручний додаток

*2023-11-19, version 3.6.1*

Шахісти оцінять. Зручно використовувати для підготовки до партії, повторення матеріалу та аналізу

### 4/5 — Second review

*2023-11-05, version 3.6.1*

I’ve reduced my rating to 3 stars because, in addition to the engine being outdated, the database is NOT WORKING. For any position it just says ‘no results found’.

### 1/5 — Will not import .PGN files as advertised

*2023-04-05*

I bought this app specifically because it said it would import pgn files.  When I try to import a pgn file, all files with .pgn extension are greyed out and can’t be selected.  I haven’t made it to the part where it imports the file itself.  If you want to import and study pgn files, skip this app.  I am requesting a refund.

**Developer response:** Sorry for your frustration, I have been receiving such complaints couple of times but I’m not able to reproduce, maybe it has something to do with from where you did get those pgns, as a workaround - you can import them via ios file “share” menu, app will be in suggested apps. 
I’ll appreciate if you can mail me pgn example so I can fix direct import once and for all

### 5/5 — Great app

*2022-12-12, version 3.5.0*

I really like but am struggling to figure out how to search within a database. For example I imported a file with 827 Fischer games. I would like to search for a specific opponent in that file but cannot see how to do so

### 5/5 — Very Good App

*2022-10-05, version 3.5.0*

I have been using this app for a few days and it’s very good, I was wondering if you could add a way to import from a pgn file.

### 1/5 — Does Not Work

*2022-06-01*

Will not import PGN files no matter how the format is tweaked. Wasted my money

**Developer response:** Hi, sorry for your frustration.
Can please send me a pgn you are trying to import?

### 1/5 — Doesn’t work

*2021-10-04*

This app won’t open pgn files on my iPad Pro 5th gen. I’ve tried multiple files and they all remain grayed out and do not open.

**Developer response:** can you please send me PGNs that you are trying to import?
mbutsykin+chessbook@gmail.com

## Frequently asked questions about Pocket Chess Book

### Does Pocket Chess Book have ads?

Pocket Chess Book does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application with a one-time purchase price of $7.99.

### Can I play chess offline with Pocket Chess Book?

Yes, Pocket Chess Book works offline for its core PGN editing and analysis features. An internet connection is only needed for iCloud sync and accessing the openings book.

### What are the main gameplay mechanics in Pocket Chess Book?

Pocket Chess Book allows users to edit PGN files, practice lines with a computer opponent, analyze games using Stockfish NNUE, and browse move variations.

### How does Pocket Chess Book compare to other chess analysis tools?

Pocket Chess Book offers a portable and offline-first approach to PGN editing and analysis, integrating the latest Stockfish NNUE engine and Lichess openings explorer.

### What devices is Pocket Chess Book available on?

Pocket Chess Book is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, as indicated by its supported devices list.

### How often is Pocket Chess Book updated?

Pocket Chess Book receives regular updates, with the latest version 3.6.1 released on February 21, 2023.

### What is the age rating for Pocket Chess Book?

Pocket Chess Book has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

### Can I analyze games with Pocket Chess Book?

Yes, Pocket Chess Book includes analysis capabilities using the latest Stockfish NNUE engine, allowing you to evaluate game positions and moves.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.6.1 — 2023-02-21

- fixed stockfish evaluation bugs

### 3.6.0 — 2023-02-20

- fix application drag issue on newer iOS versions
- improved encoding conversion speed by delegating it to iOS native implementation

### 3.5.0 — 2022-08-24

- iCloud sync between devices (enabled in settings)
- Settings overhaul
- Import & Library Scan improved performance
- Possibility to import multiple books at once
- bug fixes

### 3.4.0 — 2022-08-10

- Library search
- Books tags
- Bug fixes
- UX improvements
- Better error logging

### 3.3.0 — 2022-07-22

- Bug fixes
- Analytics
- Error reports

## Apps similar to Pocket Chess Book

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Know Your Moves](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/know-your-moves/id1584814066) | 5.0 (4) | $7.99 | Games |
| [Chess Opener PRO](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-opener-pro/id1489282483) | 4.4 (80) | $8.99 | Games |
| [Chess-Studio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-studio/id684224545) | 4.7 (110) | $3.99 | Games |
| [Chess Log](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-log/id6737934787) | 4.0 (1) | Free | Games |
| [Chess Analysis +](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-analysis-plus/id6751201688) | 4.7 (26) | Free | Games |
| [dekis](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dekis/id1627974072) | — | Free | Games |

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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 2026-06-10.*