Comparison

Really Bad Chess vs Chess Football X

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Really Bad Chess

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.

Highlights
  • Randomized chess piece sets
  • AI opponent challenges
  • Ranked, Daily, and Weekly modes
  • Freeplay practice mode
  • Local multiplayer (with IAP)
  • Alternate color palettes (with IAP)
Features
Read full description

Really Bad Chess is just like chess, but with totally random pieces. Try 8 Knights, 4 Bishops, and 3 pawns — why not? As heard on NPR's Weekend Edition 5 out of 5 Stars "An essential puzzle experience for anyone even remotely interested in strategy games" - TouchArcade Whether you play chess daily, or quit just after learning the rules, this small twist will open the door to an entire new world of chess. ------WHATS IN THE “BOX”? The free version of Really Bad Chess lets you compete vs. an AI in Ranked, Daily, or Weekly Challenges. Improve your skills using the included Freeplay mode. A single in-app purchase unlocks Versus Mode so you can compete against your friends locally! It also removes ads, displays captured pieces, and adds soothing alternate color-palettes to choose from. ------REALLY BAD PRESS "Makes chess fun even if you’re really bad" - The Verge "Feels more modern than chess has ever felt" - Applenapps "Really Bad Chess takes a really bad idea and somehow manages to make it a lot of fun." - Pocket Gamer "Really good fun" - MacLife ------A WORD FROM THE DEVELOPER Chess is one of those games I always wished I enjoyed, but its commitment to beauty, elegance, and perfect balance always turned me away. Really Bad Chess removes these boring restrictions and flips chess on its head. As much as random pieces change the game in some ways, I was really surprised to notice how much the game remains the same, and how powerful some pieces are — you've never truly struggled against a pawn until you've struggled against a pawn in the back row. For chess pros, Really Bad Chess will give you a new type of challenge — the pieces & the moves are the same, but you'll have to throw out your openings and your understanding of normal patterns of play. For novice chess players (like most of us), Really Bad Chess greatly opens up the game. Instead of starting by studying openings, in your first games you'll get to discover the joy (and challenge!) of learning how to checkmate. I hope you have as much fun with Really Bad Chess as much as I did making it. -zach

About

Chess Football X

Features
Read full description

Chess Football is a tactical board game where chess meets football. Control the ball, protect your pieces, build attacks, and find the right moment to score. Every move matters because you can win in two ways: score a goal or eliminate every opponent piece. If you enjoy chess games, football games, strategy games, offline board games, or private multiplayer matches with friends, Chess Football gives you a fresh challenge with simple rules and deep tactical choices. Features: - A unique mix of chess, football, and strategy gameplay - Offline single-player matches against AI - Private 1v1 multiplayer matches with friends - Tactical puzzles to train your skills - 5 AI difficulty levels, from beginner to expert - Choose to play as white or black before each match - Win by scoring a goal or by eliminating all opponent pieces - Customize boards, piece sets, and ball skins - Multiple language options - Smooth controls built for mobile A CHESS GAME WITH A FOOTBALL TWIST Chess Football keeps the tactical feel of chess, then adds the pressure of a football match. Possession matters. Positioning matters. Timing matters. Sometimes the best move is to attack. Sometimes it is to recover the ball, block a lane, protect your pieces, or open a path to goal. That balance makes every match feel different. PLAY OFFLINE OR WITH FRIENDS Play offline against AI whenever you want, whether you are learning the rules or looking for a tougher tactical test. You can also create a private match, share the invite link, and play 1v1 with a friend in real time. CUSTOMIZE YOUR MATCHES Make the pitch feel like your own with different board styles, piece sets, and ball skins. Download Chess Football and take the field. Terms of use: https://chessfootball.app/terms-of-use.html

Screenshots

Really Bad Chess4 screens
Chess Football X4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Chess Football X at none against Really Bad Chess's shown. Chess Football X also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 3 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Really Bad Chess sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Chess Football X sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Really Bad Chess ships an update every 3 weeks, Chess Football X daily. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Really Bad Chess versus Chess Football X: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReally Bad ChessChess Football X
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (1.6K ratings) — better
Positive reviews46.3% of reviews
Number of ratings1.6K — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksDaily — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size125 MB46 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperZach GageAli Haddadi

Bugs and requests

Really Bad Chess

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Pieces unable to move as per chess rules
  • Game freezes and crashes
  • Incorrect checkmate detection

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add draw conditions and stalemate rules
  • Implement online/multiplayer mode
  • Provide more difficulty settings
  • Allow custom piece arrangements
  • Sync progress across devices

Chess Football X

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Really Bad Chess

One-time2
  • 100 Undos$0.99
  • Full Game Unlock$3.99
2 purchases

Chess Football X

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Premium$1.991 Month
  • Yearly Premium$14.991 Year

Questions

Is Really Bad Chess free?
Really Bad Chess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Chess Football X free?
Chess Football X is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Really Bad Chess or Chess Football X have ads?
Really Bad Chess shows ads; Chess Football X does not.
Which is updated more often, Really Bad Chess or Chess Football X?
Really Bad Chess ships an update every 3 weeks, and Chess Football X daily. Most recently, Really Bad Chess was updated on September 23, 2026 and Chess Football X on September 1, 2026.

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