# Block Chess vs Gambonanza

The clearest difference is update cadence: Gambonanza at every 3 weeks against Block Chess's every 15 months. Gambonanza also leads on chart position (#6 vs unranked). Block Chess's advantage is price ($0.99 vs $5.99). On ads, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Block Chess costs $0.99 and Gambonanza $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Block Chess ships an update every 15 months, Gambonanza every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Block Chess | Gambonanza |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$0.99** | $5.99 |
| Rating | — | **[4.9 (2.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gambonanza/id6747752407/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2.9K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 76.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 15 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#6** |
| Size | 32 MB | 169 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shen Zhongyuan](https://appshunter.io/developer/385090494) | [Stray Fawn Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1539018462) |

## What reviewers say

### Block Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/block-chess/id1155867312)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Gambonanza

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gambonanza/id6747752407)

**Currently charting:** #6 Top Paid · Board, #30 Top Paid · Strategy, #76 Top Paid · Games, #114 Top Paid (US App Store)

Experience a unique turn-based chess roguelike with a twist. Master tactical combos, invest winnings, and discover rule-bending abilities on a dynamic board. Face challenging bosses and explore endless strategic possibilities.

**Highlights:** Snackable, high-impact runs, 150+ rule-bending Gambits, Dynamic reserve system, Strategic board upgrades, Epic boss battles, Retro aesthetic and quirky ambiance, Mini-games for power boosts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Game Controller support, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Block Chess free?

Block Chess costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Gambonanza free?

Gambonanza costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Block Chess or Gambonanza have ads?

Neither Block Chess nor Gambonanza shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Block Chess or Gambonanza?

Block Chess ships an update every 15 months, and Gambonanza every 3 weeks. Most recently, Block Chess was updated on October 19, 2026 and Gambonanza on October 22, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*