The Best Chess Apps Powered by AI

The fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and chess has transformed how players learn, train, and play the game. From interactive coaches to adaptive sparring partners, AI-powered chess apps have become essential tools for players of all levels. Whether you’re a casual player seeking entertainment or a serious competitor striving for improvement, the right app can make all the difference.

In this article, we’ll explore the best chess apps powered by AI, what makes them unique, and how they cater to different learning and playing styles. We’ll break down their features, platforms, and strengths, so you can choose the one that suits your goals.

Why AI Has Revolutionized Chess Apps

Before diving into the apps, it’s important to understand what AI brings to the table:

• Personalized feedback: AI analyzes your games to highlight mistakes, suggest better moves, and explain tactics.

• Adaptive learning: AI tailors exercises based on your skill level and weak areas.

• Realistic sparring: AI bots mimic human behavior and playing styles.

• Instant analysis: AI engines evaluate positions with pinpoint accuracy, often in real-time.

• Data-driven insights: AI detects long-term trends and habits in your play.

These capabilities create a more engaging, efficient, and personalized learning experience than traditional study methods.

Top AI-Powered Chess Apps (2024 Edition)

1. Chess.com

• Platforms: Android, iOS, Web

• AI Features:

  • AI bots with human-like personalities and playing styles (e.g., Nelson, Antonio, Mittens)

  • Instant game review with move classification (brilliant, best, blunder, etc.)

  • “Coach mode” that suggests moves with explanations

  • Personalized puzzles based on your games

Why it stands out: Chess.com’s AI bots have become cultural icons. But beyond the entertainment, the platform uses powerful AI (based on Stockfish and proprietary algorithms) to provide insightful post-game analysis. Their adaptive puzzle system tailors content to your strengths and weaknesses, and the interface is intuitive and beginner-friendly.

Best for: Casual players to intermediate learners; those who enjoy a balance of fun and improvement.

2. Lichess

• Platforms: Android, iOS, Web

• AI Features:

  • Unlimited Stockfish analysis (up to depth 60)

  • “Blunder check” and centipawn loss statistics

  • Local AI opponents (with adjustable strength)

  • Cloud evaluation for faster analysis

Why it stands out: Lichess is completely free and open-source, yet delivers features that rival paid apps. The analysis board is robust, allowing users to explore variations, toggle between evaluation depths, and compare multiple move options. Lichess also offers an AI puzzle generator, creating puzzles from your own games.

Best for: Intermediate to advanced players who want deep analysis and flexibility without a price tag.

3. DecodeChess

• Platforms: Web-based (desktop & mobile browser)

• AI Features:

  • Explains why a move is good or bad in plain English

  • Provides strategic concepts like king safety, pawn structure, and threats

  • Suggests learning objectives based on recurring mistakes

Why it stands out: DecodeChess uses explainable AI to bridge the gap between raw engine output and human understanding. It doesn’t just tell you the best move—it tells you why it’s the best move. This makes it incredibly useful for players who want to understand rather than memorize.

Best for: Adult learners and improving club players; those who struggle with traditional engine analysis.

4. Chessify

• Platforms: Android, iOS, Web

• AI Features:

  • Cloud-based Stockfish and Leela Chess Zero analysis

  • Scan physical boards or books and analyze positions instantly

  • High-speed, deep-depth engine analysis (depth 70+)

Why it stands out: Chessify is known for its “Scan & Analyze” feature—perfect for studying physical books or over-the-board games. It offers access to cloud engines with high computational power, making it suitable for deeper study and high-level preparation.

Best for: Coaches, analysts, and competitive players who need advanced engine depth and OCR capabilities.

5. Aimchess

• Platforms: Web-based (mobile optimized)

• AI Features:

  • Automatically imports your games from Lichess or Chess.com

  • Breaks down play into key areas: opening, tactics, endgame, time management, and blunders

  • Generates custom lessons and quizzes from your mistakes

Why it stands out: Aimchess focuses on statistical improvement. It tracks your habits over time and gives you a clear improvement plan based on data. If you’ve ever wondered why you keep losing similar positions, Aimchess will tell you—and then help you fix it.

Best for: Players who want long-term improvement tracking; data-driven learners.

6. Play Magnus (now merged with Chess.com)

• Platforms: Android, iOS

• AI Features:

  • Play against AI versions of Magnus Carlsen at different ages

  • Learn key concepts from the World Champion’s games

  • Reinforce tactics with Magnus-approved lessons

Why it stands out: Although now integrated with Chess.com, the Play Magnus concept remains iconic. Playing “Magnus at age 10” and climbing through his chess journey is both educational and motivational. The app combines AI and pedagogy in a playful way.

Best for: Fans of Magnus Carlsen; younger learners seeking inspiration and challenge.

7. Chessable (with Chessable AI)

• Platforms: Web-based, Android/iOS apps

• AI Features:

  • “MoveTrainer” system powered by AI to optimize spaced repetition

  • Suggests what to review and when

  • Analyzes your mistakes and adjusts future lessons

Why it stands out: Chessable’s AI ensures that you don’t just read openings or tactics—you remember them. It uses scientifically proven memory techniques, reinforced by engine analysis, to lock ideas into long-term memory. Chessable AI adjusts the timing and difficulty of lessons based on your retention.

Best for: Serious learners focused on mastering openings, tactics, and endgames.

8. Lucas Chess

• Platforms: Desktop (Windows)

• AI Features:

  • Comes with dozens of AI opponents of varying strengths

  • Personalized training modules powered by engine feedback

  • Multiple chess engines available for deep analysis

Why it stands out: Lucas Chess is ideal for offline use. It’s free, highly customizable, and great for structured learning. You can practice endgames, solve puzzles, or play against AI bots tuned to your exact level.

Best for: Offline learners, school programs, and methodical self-improvement.

How to Choose the Right AI Chess App for You

Final Thoughts

AI has not only changed how chess is played at the top level—it has transformed how everyone learns and enjoys the game. The best AI-powered chess apps combine the raw power of modern engines with intuitive, educational interfaces that turn blunders into breakthroughs.

Whether you’re looking for post-game analysis, interactive lessons, or realistic sparring partners, there’s an AI tool tailored to your goals. And with many of these apps offering robust free features, there’s no reason not to explore what they can do for your game.

Start using one today, and you may find your chess skill—and enjoyment—rapidly improving.