Education & Learning · iPhone · Free · Pro upgrade
Chess Learn and Play
Interactive chess book with puzzles, lessons and games by world champions.
What Chess Learn & Play does
Chess Learn and Play turns the classic chess manual into an interactive experience on your iPhone. Instead of reading static diagrams, you move the pieces yourself, solve graded puzzles and replay the decisive games of world champions move by move.
The app is built as a learning path. Beginners start with how each piece moves, basic rules and elementary checkmates. Intermediate players work through structured lessons on tactics, positional play and openings. Advanced players study grandmaster games and test themselves against increasingly difficult puzzles.
Every completed lesson, puzzle and game feeds a progress tracker with accuracy, activity and topics that still need work. Kid-friendly quests keep younger players engaged, while the Chess Universe section covers the history and evolution of the game from its origins to modern tournaments.
Key features
Interactive puzzles
Hundreds of tactics and checkmate puzzles graded from beginner to advanced. Solve them on the board, get hints and see the correct line explained.
Games by world champions
Replay iconic games from chess legends with commentary that highlights the ideas behind each winning plan.
Step-by-step lessons
A complete course from the rules and piece movement to tactics, strategy and endgame technique.
Learn & Play quests
Gamified quests turn each topic into a small adventure, ideal for keeping kids and casual learners motivated.
Checkmate challenges
Mate-in-one, mate-in-two and longer combinations drawn from real game situations.
Progress insights
Track accuracy, streaks, activity and the topics you should revisit. ChessManual Pro adds personalized puzzle recommendations.
Chess Universe
Read about the history of chess, famous players and the rise of modern tournament play.
Classic & modern chess
Study classic games alongside modern strategic ideas so your understanding stays current.
Best for
- Learning chess from zero without a coach.
- Daily tactics training in five-minute sessions.
- Teaching a child the rules and first checkmates.
- Preparing for school or club tournaments.
- Studying world champion games on the go.
Who it is for
- Complete beginners
- Kids and parents
- Club and casual players
- Chess teachers looking for practice material
How it works
- Download Chess Learn and Play from the App Store and pick your level.
- Follow the lesson path or jump straight into puzzles and champion games.
- Solve puzzles on the interactive board and read the explanation for each solution.
- Check your progress dashboard to see accuracy and recommended topics.
Price
Free download with an optional ChessManual Pro subscription for unlimited hints, streak recovery, personalized puzzle recommendations and an ad-free experience.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chess Learn and Play suitable for absolute beginners?
Yes. The first lessons explain the board, how every piece moves, the special rules and simple checkmates before moving on to tactics and strategy.
Is the app good for kids?
Yes. It includes kid-friendly lessons and quests, and the interface is simple enough for children to use on their own.
Do I need an internet connection?
Lessons and puzzles are designed to work on your iPhone; you can study on the go.
What does ChessManual Pro add?
Pro unlocks unlimited hints, streak recovery, personalized puzzle recommendations, detailed progress insights and removes ads.
Which languages are supported?
The app is available in English and Russian.
Can I play against a computer?
The app focuses on learning: lessons, puzzles, checkmate challenges and annotated games rather than full engine matches.
What's new in version 3.1.0
Released July 20, 2026
- Introducing ChessManual Pro in version 3.1.0:
- • Detailed progress insights with accuracy, activity and topics to improve
- • Personalized puzzle recommendations
- • Unlimited hints and streak recovery
- • An ad-free learning experience
- We also improved progress tracking, stability and the app interface.
Get Chess Learn & Play on your iPhone
Free download from the App Store. iOS 16.0 or later.