VocalChess
Play chess by speaking moves
About
Play chess hands-free by speaking your moves. The app recognizes voice commands for piece movements, captures, castling, and promotions. It's designed for blindfold training and offers an offline, private experience.
What's New in VocalChess
1.2
October 23, 2026
• Pause partway through a move ("Rook C… 6") and the app waits for the rest instead of asking you to say it again. • When the app asks "Did you say…?", you can answer by saying the move again. • Moves you tap are read back too, following your read-back setting. • Knight moves to the third rank are understood more reliably. • A finished game no longer reopens when you come back; a new game starts on your side.
MoreFAQ
How do I make moves in VocalChess?
You can make moves by speaking them aloud, such as "knight f3" or "e4". The app also supports commands for captures, castling, and promotions. You can also tap the board to make moves.
Does VocalChess support blindfold play?
Yes, VocalChess is designed for blindfold training. You can hide the pieces on the board and keep the position in your head, with all moves read aloud.
Can I play VocalChess offline?
Yes, VocalChess runs entirely on your iPhone, including speech recognition and the chess engine. Once the English speech model is downloaded, you can play without an internet connection.
What difficulty levels are available in VocalChess?
VocalChess offers six difficulty levels, ranging from Novice to Master, allowing you to choose a challenge that suits your skill level.
Does VocalChess have ads?
No, VocalChess is ad-free. The app also does not have tracking or in-app purchases, ensuring a private and uninterrupted experience.
What devices is VocalChess compatible with?
VocalChess runs on iPhone with iOS 26.5 or later. It hears and speaks moves in English.
Can I undo a move in VocalChess?
Yes, you can undo a move by saying "undo" or "take back". You can also step back through the game history using the move buttons or voice commands like "back".
How does VocalChess handle unclear moves?
If the app is unsure of your spoken move, it will ask for confirmation, like "Did you say...?", which you can answer by voice or tap. If no legal move matches what it heard, it will prompt you to "Say again".