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Really Bad Chess

Really Bad Chess

Chess minus memorization

1.6K ratings
609 reviews
With Ads
🎮 Games
🎬 Entertainment
🎲 Board
🧩 Puzzle
Free
In-App PurchasesWith Ads

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • October 13, 2016
  • August 30, 2026

Features

Developer

Zach Gage
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Really Bad Chess video #1 for iPhone
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Really Bad Chess screenshot #5 for iPhone
Really Bad Chess screenshot #6 for iPhone
iphone
ipad
🧾$0.99 - $3.99
In-App Purchase↘︎
📌Ready
Reviews summary↘︎
⭐609
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📝7+ tags
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🔄6+ apps
Alternatives↘︎
🏆3 achievements
Achievements↘︎
❓5 answered
FAQ↘︎
📦~ in 2 weeks
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About

This app reimagines chess with completely randomized pieces, offering a fresh strategic challenge. It's perfect for both seasoned players seeking a new puzzle and beginners looking to learn the fundamentals in a fun, accessible way.

✓Randomized chess piece sets
✓AI opponent challenges
✓Ranked, Daily, and Weekly modes
✓Freeplay practice mode
✓Local multiplayer (with IAP)
✓Alternate color palettes (with IAP)
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What users say

Summarized from real user reviews of Really Bad Chess. Based on 1.6K reviews and a 3.8/5 average, it highlights the 4 positives and 5 negatives reviewers mention most about this game.

Positive things

  • 🚀Addictive and fun gameplay
  • 🤔Unique and innovative concept
  • 👍Challenging and engaging
  • ⭐Great way to learn chess

Negative things

  • 🐛Bugs and crashes
  • 🕰️Slow AI response times
  • 💰Paywalls for essential features
  • 📺Intrusive and excessive ads
  • 🔁Repetitive AI moves leading to stalemates
See all reviews
+1

What's New in Really Bad Chess

1.7.1

August 30, 2026

Bug fixes for when a piece that should not have been able to move in mini mode moved (whoops!). This happened in the rare situation where you played some, quit, loaded back in, and then someone castled. Thanks for the reports!

More
2

In-App Purchases

$0.99

100 Undos

100 Undos, ready for your immediate use!

User reviews

Most RecentHighest RatedLowest Rated

amazing game

games’s truly unique, happily bought paid version to support the dev. i recommend this to everyone who likes chess
atelic’atelic’

Update

Latest update has ruined the game. Can’t win in some modes as the game just doesn’t register a win.

Next is AI can move a piece that’s blocking a line of sight check and can put me into check. How does that even work?
ReviewerreviewingappReviewerreviewingapp

Masters only

You would think playing chess would be at least a little fun.?
theoworkstheoworks

Mini Bug!

Great game. First day playing the Mini and found a bug. Computer moved their knight to place me in check. Problem is, that knight was pinned by my queen and shouldn’t have been able to move. I took a screenshot but so no way to share.
Pieshoe814Pieshoe814

Really Great Game

!
G u i s eG u i s e
See 604 more reviews

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User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

3 issues

Pieces unable to move as per chess rules

Bug

Game freezes and crashes

Bug

Incorrect checkmate detection

Bug
✨

Requested Features

5 requests

Add draw conditions and stalemate rules

Feature

Implement online/multiplayer mode

Feature

Provide more difficulty settings

Feature

Allow custom piece arrangements

Feature

Sync progress across devices

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. This twist removes the need for memorization and opens up a new world of strategic possibilities for players of all levels.

What are the key features of Really Bad Chess?

The app offers randomized chess piece sets for a fresh challenge, AI opponents in various modes like Ranked, Daily, and Weekly Challenges, and a Freeplay mode for practice. A single in-app purchase unlocks local Versus Mode, removes ads, displays captured pieces, and adds alternate color palettes.

How much does Really Bad Chess cost?

The core game is free to play, allowing you to compete against an AI in different challenge modes and practice in Freeplay. To unlock local Versus Mode, remove ads, and access additional cosmetic features, a single in-app purchase is available.

Who is this app for?

This app is designed for anyone interested in strategy games. Chess pros will find a new type of challenge that forces them to abandon traditional openings, while novice players can discover the joy of checkmating without the initial burden of memorizing complex strategies.

Can I play with friends?

Yes, you can play with friends locally by unlocking the Versus Mode through a single in-app purchase. This feature allows you to challenge friends on the same device, offering a fun head-to-head experience with the randomized piece sets.