Best Play Chess For Imessage Apps & Games

197+ iOS apps & games curated and reviewed

4.5 avg rating
18 free apps & games
Updated May 2026

Play Chess for iMessage is the household name in play chess for imessage, but it's far from the only option. We track 197+ alternatives and competitors on iOS — many free, many higher-rated than you'd expect.

Top Picks for Play Chess For Imessage

Play Chess for iMessage#1

Play Chess for iMessage by Chess.com, LLC

Chess.com - Games with Friends
Editor's Choice
🎮 Games
3.2😐(139 ratings)
Free
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Play Chess for iMessage allows you to play unlimited chess games with friends directly through iMessage. Choose your board and pieces, play multiple friends at once, and enjoy a fun and casual chess experience without timers or ratings. The app is free with no in-app purchases, making it easy and accessible for all chess enthusiasts.

What We Love

  • 👍 Easy to play without knowing chess rules
  • 🎮 Fun gameplay mechanics for iMessage
  • 🎨 Theme customizer available
  • 🔄 Move guide and helpful features

Room to Improve

  • 🚫 Cannot uninstall app (major recurring issue)
  • 🐛 iCloud login error persists despite being logged in
  • ❌ App doesn't show on home screen
Chess - Play & Learn Online#2

Chess - Play & Learn Online by Chess.com, LLC

Board game and Puzzle learning
Strong Contender
🎮 Games
4.8😊(759K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#5in Games
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Play a strategic board game against friends or AI opponents, test your skills, and improve your game with each match. Enjoy multiple game modes and challenges to sharpen your tactics and become a better player. Ready to outwit your opponents? Start playing now!

What We Love

  • 🚀 Excellent app for learning and improving chess skills
  • 🎓 Comprehensive lessons, puzzles, and analysis tools
  • 🌍 Large player base for quick matchmaking
  • 📊 Detailed game statistics and progress tracking

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Frequent connection issues and game freezes
  • ⏱️ Unreliable and inconsistent game timers
  • 🔒 Lack of transparency around anti-cheating measures
GamePigeon#3

GamePigeon by Vitalii Zlotskii

Games for iMessage
Worth Considering
🎮 Games
3.9😊(224K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
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Play a variety of multiplayer games with friends and family through iMessage. Enjoy classics like 8-Ball, Basketball, Chess, and more. Stay tuned for new games and start gaming now!

What We Love

  • 🎮 Fun and engaging games
  • 👥 Great way to connect with friends
  • 💡 Variety of game options
  • ⏱️ Convenient turn-based gameplay

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Frequent glitches and bugs
  • 🤑 Expensive in-app purchases
  • 🔄 Repetitive gameplay over time

More Play Chess For Imessage apps to explore

4
Chess
Chess
Chess
Play Chess and Solve Puzzles
Free

Play chess and solve puzzles with this application, offering a challenging and engaging experience for players of all levels. Test your skills and strategize to outwit your opponents in this timeless game of intellect. Start playing and sharpen your mind today!

🎮 Games
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5
Chess ME - with Friends
Chess ME - with Friends
Chess ME - with Friends
in Messages or 2 P on 1 Device
Free

Play chess in Messages with friends or against an AI, enjoy beautiful HD chess pieces, blitz mode, and more. Optimize for two-player games on one device, analyze moves, earn rewards, and get hints from a chess AI. Suggestions and feedback are welcome at info@resonanca-it.com. Find us on Twitter @writing_force.

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6
Chess - Offline Board Game
Chess - Offline Board Game
Chess - Offline Board Game
The ultimate Chess board game
Free

Play Chess Club now for free! Challenge yourself with 8 levels of difficulty, learn with hints, track your stats, and enjoy playing with 2D or 3D pieces. Install the best Chess app in the store!

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7
Chess - Learn Chess
Chess - Learn Chess
Chess - Learn Chess
Learn to play in minutes!
Free

Learn Chess is a comprehensive e-book designed to teach chess rules, strategies, and terminology through interactive diagrams. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your game, this app is for you!

📚 Education
(194)
8
Chess Tiger Pro
Chess Tiger Pro
Chess Tiger Pro
Learn, play, improve!
$14.99
$17.99 | 17% OFF

"Master chess with ease and precision using our ad-free app. Whether you're a beginner or expert, improve your game with top-notch coaching, game analysis, and a powerful chess engine. Join now and unleash your inner chess champion!"

🎮 Games
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9
SocialChess • Online Chess
SocialChess • Online Chess
SocialChess • Online Chess
Play Friends, Learn, No Ads!
Free

Play chess against friends or random opponents online with this ad-free application. Enjoy fast games or multiple correspondence games at your own pace, and track your statistics like ELO rating and wins. Join now to experience the best way to play and learn chess!

🎮 Games
(7K)
10
Pocket Chess
Pocket Chess
Pocket Chess
Chess Puzzles
Free

Improve your chess skills with challenging puzzles and problems ranging from Checkmate in 2 to 4. Enhance your game with focused boards for quick pattern recognition. Download now to elevate your chess strategy!

🎮 Games
(14K)
11
Chess Royale
Chess Royale
Chess Royale
Play with Friends, Learn & Win
Free

Play Chess Royale to challenge your friends to exciting matches and improve your chess skills. Join now to experience competitive gameplay and interactive learning!

🎮 Games
(19K)
12
™ Chess
™ Chess
™ Chess
Play and learn Chess
Free

A mobile chess application that blends tradition with modern technology, offering players a range of challenging AI opponents, customization options, and a vibrant global chess community. Sharpen your skills, strategize, and immerse yourself in the timeless world of chess. Download now and conquer the game!

🎮 Games
(9.1K)
13
Chess Clash: Online & Offline
Chess Clash: Online & Offline
Chess Clash: Online & Offline
2 player puzzle board game
Free

Challenge friends to thrilling online chess matches with real-time gameplay, chat, and leaderboards to track your progress. Experience the ultimate chess showdown – play now and show off your strategic skills!

🎮 Games
(2.9K)
14
Chess ∙
Chess ∙
Chess ∙
by Optime Software LLC
Free

Play the best free chess game available for iPhone and iPod Touch! Enjoy great graphics, challenging AI opponents, configurable settings, and more. Test your skills against friends or the computer - download now for a great gaming experience.

🎮 Games
(193K)
15
Real Chess Master 3D
Real Chess Master 3D
Real Chess Master 3D
logic of attack and defense
Free

Experience the next level of chess with a 3D virtual set. Play against AI or real opponents with 2400 levels of difficulty. Enjoy advanced graphics, matchmaking, hints, and various chess set themes.

🎮 Games
(386)
16
Learn Chess with Dr. Wolf
Learn Chess with Dr. Wolf
Learn Chess with Dr. Wolf
Beginner friendly coaching
Free

"Learn chess with Dr. Wolf, your personalized chess coach offering over 50 lessons, mistake correction, diverse coaching personalities, and adaptive difficulty levels. Experience audible coaching in multiple languages for an enhanced learning experience. Try Dr. Wolf's coaching for free for 3 games, then subscribe for continued personalized teaching and unlimited access to lessons and hints."

🎮 Games
(25K)
17
Square Off Chess- Play & Learn
Square Off Chess- Play & Learn
Square Off Chess- Play & Learn
Elevate Your Chess Experience
Free

Experience an innovative chess-playing platform where physical pieces move on a board via advanced robotics, allowing you to play against friends remotely or challenge AI opponents. Bring the magic of traditional chess into the modern age with interactive gameplay and strategic challenges.

🎮 Games
(3K)
18
Chess Universe+
Chess Universe+
Chess Universe+
Play and learn chess online!
Free

Play and learn chess online with an ultimate destination for chess enthusiasts of all levels. Access tutorials, play worldwide, unlock rewards, and personalize your chess experience. Join the chess universe today and elevate your game!

🎮 Games
(5.8K)
19
Chess Online +
Chess Online +
Chess Online +
Play online chess game!
Free

Play chess online with players worldwide on ChessFriends.com! Enjoy various time controls, ratings, statistics, puzzles, and the option to play against different computer levels. Join the international community, track your progress, and connect with friends while unlocking achievements. Upgrade to VIP for exclusive features and benefits!

🎮 Games
(26K)
20
Chess - tChess Pro
Chess - tChess Pro
Chess - tChess Pro
For beginners to professionals
$7.99

Experience quality chess gaming at all levels with a top-tier chess app that caters to beginners, experts, and enthusiasts. Whether you want to learn, practice, or compete, this app offers features like realistic opponent simulations, expert analysis mode, and a wide range of playing options to enhance your skills and enjoyment.

🎮 Games
(245)