Really Bad Chess+

Really Bad Chess+

Chess minus memorization

159 ratings
92 reviews
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • April 2, 2021
  • March 23, 2026

Features

Really Bad Chess+ video #1 for iPhone
Really Bad Chess+ screenshot #2 for iPhone
Really Bad Chess+ screenshot #3 for iPhone
Really Bad Chess+ screenshot #4 for iPhone
Really Bad Chess+ screenshot #5 for iPhone
Really Bad Chess+ screenshot #6 for iPhone
iphone
ipad
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About

Experience chess with a chaotic twist! This app replaces standard pieces with random assortments, forcing you to rethink strategy. Perfect for both seasoned players seeking a new challenge and beginners looking to learn the fundamentals in a fun, unpredictable way.

Random piece assignments
AI challenges (Ranked, Daily, Weekly)
Freeplay mode
Local versus mode
Daily chess puzzles
New strategic challenges
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What users say

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What's New in Really Bad Chess+

1.6.1

March 23, 2026

Bug fix to the new update: - Game should now display properly on iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

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User reviews

The ai is way too lucky

The games usually start out with impossible to defend attacks, the ai doesn’t even go for checkmate strategically, it just wants pieces, and on top of that, the boards are usually very unfair, I’ve started multiple times where a piece that I need is under attack and I defendable in the very first move, not to mention that most of the time, the ai gets undefendable lines that take half your pieces.
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Latest update broke the game

A recent update added some new game modes but completely broke the game. On my iPhone 17 Pro the entire app is now “magnified” such that I can’t see the entire board (the left and right-most columns aren’t on screen!)

It broke the menu UI as well I can’t read the options because they’re all cut off.

I had a 50+ day streak which I lost because of this. Most games when they break something that destroys user progress (streaks, dailies, etc) there’s some sort apology or fix made. I guarantee Apple Arcade won’t bother.

Update: they fixed it today 3/23 but guess what, they fixed the other version of the game (the one not via Apple Arcade) TWO DAYS EARLIER! That’s right, the subscription service version you pay for gets updated slower than the regular version.
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Last update ruined the game

I sent an email, and didn’t get a reply. :(

Zoomed in

they released an update a few days ago that made the whole screen zoomed in too much to see everything love playing this but its broken right now

Recent upgrade issues

Recent upgrades have caused the play forked to be larger than the phone screen, th entire outer edges of the board are off the screen, also the top of the menus are off the top of the screen

Developer apps

User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

9 issues

App zoomed in, parts of board/UI cut off (recent update)

Bug

Cannot make legal moves

Bug

Game won't allow moves out of check

Bug

AI gets stuck in infinite loops

Bug

Incorrect checkmate detection

Bug

Pieces glitching

Bug

Cannot undo after checkmate

Bug

App not fitting on iPhone screen

Bug

Menu options cut off

Bug

Requested Features

10 requests

Add draws by repetition/stalemate

Feature

Option for mirrored pieces

Feature

Tutorial for beginners

Feature

Ability to play online multiplayer

Feature

Option to see solution for daily challenges

Feature

Mac app availability

Feature

Option to keep board on screen after game

Feature

Adjustable AI difficulty

Feature

More board/theme options

Feature

Animations for piece movement

Feature

FAQ

What is Really Bad Chess+?

Really Bad Chess+ is a unique take on the classic game of chess where each game features a completely random assortment of pieces on the board. This twist eliminates the need for memorizing openings and provides a fresh strategic challenge for all skill levels.

How does this app differ from traditional chess?

The core difference is the random assignment of pieces at the start of each game. Instead of the standard setup, you might face an army of knights or a board full of pawns. This forces players to adapt their strategies on the fly and discover new tactical possibilities.

What are the game modes available?

The app offers several modes, including AI challenges like Ranked, Daily, and Weekly Challenges. You can also practice your skills in Freeplay mode, compete against friends locally in versus mode, and solve daily chess puzzles called Knight Hike.

Is this app suitable for beginners?

Yes, this app is excellent for beginners. By removing the emphasis on memorizing openings, it allows new players to focus on the fundamental goal of checkmating and discover the joy of chess in a more accessible and less intimidating way.

What are the system requirements for this app?

The provided data does not specify the exact system requirements for this app. However, it is a mobile application, implying compatibility with modern iOS and Android devices.