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Getting started
How do I play my first game?
- Open the app and tap Play.
- Choose Computer and pick a level. Beginner is a gentle opponent that makes friendly mistakes.
- Choose whether you play White, Black, or Random, then tap Start Game.
- Tap a piece and then a highlighted square to move, or drag the piece.
How does the coach work?
Tap the graduation cap during a game to hear what just happened and what to look for next. Tap Hint to highlight a good move. After a game, open the review to see where it turned and why. Pick how much coaching you want on the New Game screen.
What do the moves like “Nf3” mean?
That’s standard chess notation. Tap the legend button in the move list for a short guide.
Can I play against a friend?
Yes. Choose A friend on the New Game screen for pass-and-play on one device. It works well on an iPad. No accounts are needed and nothing is sent anywhere.
Can more than one person use the app?
Yes. Tap your name at the top left of the Play screen to add or switch players. Each player has their own games, progress and strength estimate. Free includes one profile, and Pro adds more.
Free and Pro
What’s included for free?
- Unlimited games against the computer at the Beginner and Casual levels
- 10 hints per game and basic coaching
- Lessons on meeting the pieces, how they move, and opening principles
- 5 puzzles a day
- One player profile, and your last 10 games in History
- Simple progress stats and one full game review a week
- Sounds, haptics, and two flat board themes, including the standard tournament colors
What does Pro add?
- All five levels, up to Challenger
- Full coach review of every finished game
- Practice from your own mistakes
- Unlimited puzzles and the full lesson library (tactics, checkmate patterns, endgames)
- Full progress insights, the strength estimate and the weekly summary
- Unlimited History and PGN export
- Extra player profiles, the 3D board and more themes
Pro is an annual subscription, with a free trial for new subscribers, or a one-time lifetime purchase.
How do I restore my purchase?
Open the app, tap the gear icon for Settings, then tap Restore Purchases. Make sure you’re signed in to the same Apple Account you used to buy. A lifetime purchase can be restored on any of your devices this way.
How do I cancel my subscription?
On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions, and choose Chess Professor. Cancel at least 24 hours before the renewal date to avoid being charged. You keep Pro until the end of the period you’ve paid for.
How do I get a refund?
Apple handles all payments and refunds. You can request one at reportaproblem.apple.com.
Why can’t I pick a harder level, or my puzzles ran out?
Intermediate, Advanced and Challenger are part of Pro. Free play includes 5 puzzles a day, which reset each day. Pro has no limit.
Where did my older games go?
Free shows your last 10 games in History. Older games are not deleted, and they all return if you upgrade to Pro.
Your data
Where is my data stored? Is there an account?
There are no accounts. Your games, profiles and progress are stored only on your device, and nothing is sent to me or anyone else. See the Privacy Policy for details.
I got a new phone — how do I keep my data?
Because data lives only on your device, restore the new phone from an iCloud or computer backup of the old one. Pro users can also export games as PGN from History to keep a copy.
How do I delete a game, a player, or all my data?
Swipe a game in History to delete it. Remove a player from the profile switcher at the top left of the Play screen. Deleting the app removes everything. Deleted data can’t be recovered.
About the app
Does it need an internet connection?
No. The app works fully offline. Only buying or restoring Pro needs a connection.
Are there ads?
No ads, ever. Chess Professor is built to be simple and distraction-free.
What devices does it work on?
iPhone and iPad running iOS 17 or later, in light and dark mode.