# Verbal Chess — Play using just your voice

> Voice-controlled chess game for hands-free play and accessibility. (iPhone/iPad app by Conceptual Software, Inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/verbal-chess/id1602860192 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Conceptual Software, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1229226443)
- Category: Games, Board
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 3.50/5 from 13 App Store ratings · 7 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 90 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2022-01-10
- Data updated: 2026-09-10
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/verbal-chess/id1602860192/reviews.md

## What is Verbal Chess?

Play chess using only your voice!

Are your hands busy making dinner? Or are you relaxing in a tub? Exercising on a treadmill? With Verbal Chess, you can play against computer engines or against players around the world using only your voice. There's no need to touch the screen.

Have trouble interacting with the piece images on the screen? With Verbal Chess, the entire app is controllable by your voice. Physical limitations aren't a barrier to your playing chess.

And for blindfold chess, you can lean back in your recliner, close your eyes and play the entire game. Since Verbal Chess announces your opponent's moves, you never have to look at the screen.

Verbal Chess is unique in that every part of the program (except login passwords) can be controlled by your voice - every screen, every option and every move. Even program navigation can be done with only your voice. Once connected, you never have to touch the screen to enjoy every aspect of Verbal Chess.

If working with the screen because of a physical handicap is a problem, with Verbal Chess you can have fun playing chess. Or are your hands busy? Maybe something simple like holding a sloppy burger and you would like to play a game while eating, Verbal Chess can do that for you.

Verbal Chess comes from the creator of Chessvis.

Download it today.

Terms of Use URL:
https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

## Key features

- Voice-controlled gameplay
- Hands-free operation
- Accessible for physical limitations
- Blindfold chess mode
- Full app navigation by voice
- Play against AI or global players

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Verbal Chess - Annual | $4.99 | per year |
| Verbal Chess - Monthly | $0.99 | per month |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Verbal Chess - Perpetual | $14.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (7 of 7)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/verbal-chess/id1602860192/reviews.md

### 5/5 — An absolute game changer

*2025-09-28, version 2.2.2*

I've been mourning not being able to play chess after nerve damage in my neck/ arms. Finally I can play again as long as I want!! THANK YOU!!!!

### 5/5 — Goku Level Training

*2025-03-16, version 1.18.1*

The reviews had me skeptical, but this is the best software I've seen so far. I only really play the blindfold vs. engine easy mode, but it works like a charm. Really helps improve visualization, calculation, and memory. 

I'll admit, it did have me tilted in my first few games because it can't distinguish well between the sounds of the file letters. Easy work around though~ just use the NATO phonetic alphabet, e.g. "Play echo takes delta 5". Also, make sure you specify which knight or which rook to a certain square when both have access to the square you have in mind. Seems obvious, but it provoked me into ending a game early when first starting as my noob self didn't understand til seeing the position. 

Overall, this is a fun way to improve and I'm thankful there's an app for it. I've noticed improved visualization accuracy and speed when playing OTB. Also, I can beat my buddy blindfolded now, even though he's only 200. Still, it's fun to show off

### 5/5 — Amazing for Improving Visualization Skill in Chess

*2024-10-02, version 1.18.1*

I’ve been looking for an app to practice my visualization and calculation skills. This app makes it INCREDIBLY easy to practice by myself on my own. I hope this app continues to receive improvements and developments.

### 5/5 — COMPLETE AWESOMENESS

*2024-07-07, version 1.18.1*

Thanks!!!🙂

### 5/5 — Incredible blind chess app!!!

*2022-11-09, version 1.9.0*

I’ve never left any reviews in the 10+ years I’ve downloaded any apps but I had to for this one. I’m a huge blindfold chess enthusiast and this is by far the best way to practice/play. The voice commands come through clear and the response times are near instant. Completely possible to relax and get immersed very easily. Computer even plays different lines, which caught me way off guard. Amazing amazing effort put into this one and 100% my new favorite chess app. Thx!

### 3/5 — Almost great

*2022-05-21*

Voice recognition seems to be working nice.. but Im having issues starting games on Lichess.. I can see the tournaments, but cant join them either… I would definitely give a 5 stars if Lichess worked seamlessly, even though the Ui could have some improvements

### 5/5 — Voice commands to play chess

*2022-01-20, version 1.6.0*

Play chess while you cook or shave, play lichess games or against an engine using your real chessboard. This app is extraordinary and the developer responds promptly to questions and suggestions.

## Frequently asked questions about Verbal Chess

### Does Verbal Chess have ads?

Yes, Verbal Chess contains advertisements. This allows the app to remain free to download and play.

### What are the subscription options for Verbal Chess?

Verbal Chess offers monthly and annual subscription plans. The monthly plan costs $0.99 per month, and the annual plan is $4.99 per year.

### What devices does Verbal Chess support?

Verbal Chess is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is designed to work across these Apple devices.

### How does Verbal Chess handle move input?

Verbal Chess allows you to make moves entirely through voice commands. You simply state your move, and the app interprets and executes it.

### Can I play Verbal Chess offline?

The description does not specify offline play capabilities. However, playing against players around the world implies an internet connection is required for multiplayer.

### What is the age rating for Verbal Chess?

Verbal Chess has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for young children and older players.

### How often is Verbal Chess updated?

The latest version, 2.3.2, was last updated on March 20, 2026. This suggests a relatively recent update cycle.

### What is the user sentiment for Verbal Chess based on ratings?

Verbal Chess has a rating of 3.5 stars from 13 ratings. This indicates a mixed to positive user reception.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.3.2 — 2026-03-20

V2.3 adds integrated access to "Verbal Chess on the web" on the main menu. So if want to use one of the 5 non-english languages or Cloud AI voices, you can do that right inside the IOS version. All hands-free both into the web version and back to the native version.

### 2.2.2 — 2025-09-02

V2.2.2 enables you to switch from the device's microphone to bluetooth and back. (Note: the switch happens on the next screen page transition so you might have to make one transition manually but after that it will pick up the new microphone.)

In V2.2, the explanation text has been greatly improved for playing against the computer, blindfold and on Lichess.

### 2.2.1 — 2025-08-29

In V2.2, the explanation text has been greatly improved for playing against the computer, blindfold and on Lichess.

### 2.1.1 — 2025-08-25

For V2.1, I'm starting to change the way the "explanation" pages appear. For this release, an initial explanation screen has been added. Also, I fixed a bug in the move "take back" code.

And to reiterate the features added to Verbal Chess V2.0:

1. Select the "Voices" you want for both the player and opponent moves

2. Change the chess board background colors to the two dark modes found in "Chessvis"

3. The "take back" operation has changed. It is no longer "times out". Clicking the button or saying "command takeback", will remove the pair of last moves - the engine's and your's.

4. Hate having to keep saying "play" before each move? Now, for both "engine" and "Lichess" games, you can optionally either: remove the need to say "play" or a middle ground of having to say the piece name (including the word 'pawn'). Why the middle ground? Don't forget, the speech recognizer is always listening and trying to make sense of what it hears. If you're willing to say: "pawn e 4" then that eliminates the more easily and possibly accidentally overheard "e 4".

5. A new keyword "describe" can be used to get verbal feedback describing where pieces are on the board. (This works against the engines and on lichess.
   describe rank number -- describe rank 3
   describe file letter -- describe file echo
   describe square letter # -- describe square b 2
   describe location color piece -- describe location white bishop

6. I've added the FIDE recommended words for file letters: Anna, Bella, Cesar, David, Eva, Felix, Gustav, Hector

### 2.0.7 — 2025-08-22

I'm very excited about Verbal Chess V2.0. Here are the new features:

1. Select the "Voices" you want for both the player and opponent moves

2. Change the chess board background colors to the two dark modes found in "Chessvis"

3. The "take back" operation has changed. It is no longer "times out". Clicking the button or saying "command takeback", will remove the pair of last moves - the engine's and your's.

4. Hate having to keep saying "play" before each move? Now, for both "engine" and "Lichess" games, you can optionally either: remove the need to say "play" or a middle ground of having to say the piece name (including the word 'pawn'). Why the middle ground? Don't forget, the speech recognizer is always listening and trying to make sense of what it hears. If you're willing to say: "pawn e 4" then that eliminates the more easily and possibly accidentally overheard "e 4".

5. A new keyword "describe" can be used to get verbal feedback describing where pieces are on the board. (This works against the engines and on lichess.
   describe rank number -- describe rank 3
   describe file letter -- describe file echo
   describe square letter # -- describe square b 2
   describe location color piece -- describe location white bishop

6. I've added the FIDE recommended words for file letters: Anna, Bella, Cesar, David, Eva, Felix, Gustav, Hector

7. Oh, I found a bug in the existing code that interferred with specifying moves with only single letter file names. It's still hard to differentiate letters but obviously, it is better without a bug.

## Apps similar to Verbal Chess

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [White Pawn](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/white-pawn/id1559535513) | 4.1 (11) | Free | Games |
| [Blindfold Chess](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blindfold-chess/id6605933514) | 4.3 (27) | Free | Games |
| [Chess-Studio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-studio/id684224545) | 4.7 (116) | $3.99 | Games |
| [Miko Chess](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/miko-chess/id6471891615) | 4.5 (222) | Free | Games |
| [Chess Studio Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-studio-lite/id694586937) | 4.4 (11) | Free | Games |
| [Chess Opener PRO](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-opener-pro/id1489282483) | 4.4 (80) | $8.99 | Games |

## More apps by Conceptual Software, Inc.

- [Chessvis](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessvis/id1229226444)

All apps by Conceptual Software, Inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/1229226443

## Related topics

[verbal chess](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/verbal-chess)

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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 2026-09-10.*