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ZugZwang - Chess Screen Time

ZugZwang - Chess Screen Time

Solve a puzzle to unlock apps

0 ratings
9 reviews
📊 Productivity
Free
In-App Purchases

Details

Released
September 19, 2026
Updated
October 30, 2026

Features

Developer

DaDaMa Ug (haftungsbeschränkt)
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ZugZwang - Chess Screen Time screenshot #1 for iPhone
ZugZwang - Chess Screen Time screenshot #2 for iPhone
ZugZwang - Chess Screen Time screenshot #3 for iPhone
ZugZwang - Chess Screen Time screenshot #4 for iPhone
ZugZwang - Chess Screen Time screenshot #5 for iPhone
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About

This app blocks distracting applications and websites, requiring users to solve a chess puzzle to temporarily unlock them. It offers personalized puzzle difficulty and strict modes for enhanced focus. Your progress is saved to your account for seamless device transitions.

✓Block apps, categories, and websites
✓Solve chess puzzles for access
✓Personalized Elo puzzle rating
✓Strict mode for enhanced focus
✓Cross-device progress sync
✓No ads
Show original description
+1

What's New in ZugZwang

1.0.6

October 30, 2026

Puzzle of the day now has its own card on the Puzzles tab, with the date and how many tries you have left. You now appear on the All time leaderboard after 10 rated puzzles, not 30. Add friends from every leaderboard tab, and friend codes now show clearly when they're loading. A solve now looks like one: share cards say “Solved on the first try” and a solved puzzle of the day gets a check mark. Plus clearer charts and calmer colours in Blocking. Small bug fixes and improvements.

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4

Subscriptions & In-App Purchases

Yearly

Get ZugZwang Pro for one year

$19.991 Year
7 Days trial
How to cancel ZugZwang subscription ⁉️

User reviews

Most RecentHighest RatedLowest Rated

Könnte ganz gut sein

Ich denke, das könnte ganz nett sein. Allerdings bekommt man für gesperrte Apps keine Benachrichtigungen mehr. Das sorgt eher dafür, dass ich ZugZwang wieder deaktiviere.
GG_wie_Gerry

Verstecke In-App Paywall

„Gratis-Woche“ nur, wenn man gleich das Jahresabo abschließt. Kein kostenloses ausprobieren möglich. Zu teuer für das, was es ist.
Sehr coole Idee, schade um die Umsetzung.
IIceArt3mis

Sehr gut

Nette Art mehr Puzzels zu machen und weniger nutzloses Scrollen
LGLustiger Gesselle

Tried many screen time apps, this is the first one that actually worked for me

Instead of e.g. just taking a deep breath to unlock an app, you have to solve a chess puzzle which makes such a big difference. it kinda resets your brain (i guess cause you avtually need to focus on something hard) and you dont even feel like scrolling anymore. i can still check messages and open links my friends send me and then get 5 mins to scroll before having to solve another puzzle

i also gained like ~200 elo since using this app, but more importent:

I barely waste any time scrolling anymore. was a bit sceptical about paying at first but honestly its 100% worth it. the guys are constantly adding new features too. Still suprised that it works that well.

just give it a try, i think they have a week free or so and see for yourself
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Hhannes198

Jeden Cent wert!!!!

Fantastische App, simple, sehr clean und erfüllt genau was sie soll. Seit ZugZwang habe ich 2h am Tag weniger Bildschirmzeit und meine Elo wird jeden Tag besser! Zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe geschlagen. Und an alle, die sich beschweren, dass es was kostet, ist euch eure Zeit so wenig wert?! Ich finde das ist einer der besten Investitionen, die ich seit langem getätigt habe… wenn ihr lieber mit Zeit zahlt als Zeit zu bekommen dann doomscrollt schön weiter… viel Spaß :)
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RRutenRuti
See 4 more reviews

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FAQ

How does ZugZwang work to block apps?

ZugZwang uses Apple's Screen Time picker to block selected apps, categories, or websites. When you try to open a blocked item, a chess puzzle appears. Solving it grants temporary access for five minutes.

What is the puzzle system in ZugZwang?

ZugZwang offers a personalized Elo puzzle rating system. Puzzles are served around your current level, ensuring they remain challenging enough to encourage thoughtful engagement. There are over 20,000 rated puzzles available, covering various chess scenarios.

Can I customize the blocking in ZugZwang?

Yes, you can choose which apps, categories, and websites to block. You can also opt to earn five minutes of access to a specific app or your entire blocked list.

What is Strict Mode in ZugZwang?

Strict Mode in ZugZwang makes it harder to circumvent your blocking. Disabling Strict Mode or removing apps from the block list requires solving a more difficult puzzle or enduring a 24-hour wait.

Does ZugZwang have ads?

No, ZugZwang is ad-free. The app focuses on providing a distraction-free experience for users trying to manage their screen time.

How does the subscription work for ZugZwang Pro?

ZugZwang Pro offers monthly and yearly subscription plans. The yearly plan includes a 7-day free trial. Subscriptions auto-renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the current period ends, and payments are managed through your Apple Account.

Is ZugZwang available on multiple devices?

Your ZugZwang account, including your rating and progress, is saved and synced across devices when you sign in with Apple or Google. This ensures a seamless experience if you switch to a new phone.

What is the age rating for ZugZwang?

ZugZwang has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for children and adults, with no mature content.