Comparison

BookMoves vs Calvin Chess Trainer

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

Head to head
About

BookMoves

Master chess openings with a unique blend of theory, computer science, and spaced repetition. Memorize hundreds of variants for both sides and transition from rote learning to intuitive application. Overcome the forgetting curve with an innovative technique for lasting mastery.

Highlights
  • Chess opening theory
  • Spaced repetition learning
  • Hundreds of chess variants
  • Statistical probabilities
  • Integrated scoring system
  • Algorithmic improvement
Features
Read full description

Embark on a transformative chess journey with our groundbreaking app, seamlessly blending Opening Theory, Computer Science, and Space Repetition. Easily memorize hundreds of chess variants for both white and black, transitioning from rote memorization to intuitive application of knowledge. Overcome the Forgetting Curve using our innovative Space Repetition technique, converting short-term storage into lasting mastery. Access a comprehensive database of 1 million+ opening variants, each accompanied by statistical probabilities. Our integrated scoring system considers game statistics and parameters for effective play, constantly evolving to provide you with the strongest advantage at your current skill level. Experience the power of continuous algorithmic improvement, ensuring you stay ahead in every game. Optimized for mobile, our app lets you practice openings anytime, anywhere, enhancing your skills on the move. Unleash your chess potential by consistently training with new openings, conveniently accessible through your mobile browser. Elevate your game, break free from stagnation, and become the chess pro you aspire to be. Start your journey to mastery today!

About

Calvin Chess Trainer

Features
Read full description

Calvin Chess Trainer drills the skills that puzzles take for granted: seeing the whole board, and reading and finding squares and moves without thinking. Daily warm-up Five quick timed drills, about five minutes: find the checks, spot the loose pieces, find the forks, name squares from Black's side, then a mate in one. Vision • Find Checks: every check in a real game position • Find Captures: every capture on the board • Hanging Pieces: every undefended piece • Forks & Skewers: the squares that hit two targets • Knight Sight: every square a knight reaches • Knight Flight: the fewest moves to the target • Pawn Attack: slip past a wall of pawns • Mate in 1: 400 positions, one move to mate Notation • Squares: find the square, fast, from White's side or Black's • Files & Ranks: name every file and rank • Read Moves: read a move, then play it • Piece Letters: K, Q, R, B and N at a glance • Piece Values: which side comes out ahead? Opening Explorer Play through the openings with book moves, Stockfish hints and an evaluation bar. Practice your way • Practice at your own pace, or race the clock in timed rounds • Every drill remembers its setup, and Continue picks up where you left off • Results show the answers you missed • Personal bests, saved on your device • Squares and pieces spoken aloud as you play • Works offline No ads, no in-app purchases and no account. From Internut Education.

Screenshots

BookMoves4 screens
Calvin Chess Trainer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Calvin Chess Trainer at every 5 days against BookMoves's every 3 weeks. BookMoves's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BookMoves ships an update every 3 weeks, Calvin Chess Trainer every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
BookMoves versus Calvin Chess Trainer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBookMovesCalvin Chess Trainer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size70 MB170 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRegulus Team s.r.o.DAVID MARKLE

In-app purchases

None

BookMoves

No in-app purchases

None

Calvin Chess Trainer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is BookMoves free?
BookMoves is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Calvin Chess Trainer free?
Calvin Chess Trainer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do BookMoves or Calvin Chess Trainer have ads?
Neither BookMoves nor Calvin Chess Trainer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, BookMoves or Calvin Chess Trainer?
BookMoves ships an update every 3 weeks, and Calvin Chess Trainer every 5 days. Most recently, BookMoves was updated on October 20, 2026 and Calvin Chess Trainer on October 25, 2026.

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