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Mini Chess on Watch vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Mini Chess on Watch's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Mini Chess on Watch
This App
Chess ∙
Nemesis
Chess
Contender
Chess Universe+
Contender
Chess Tactics Pro (Puzzles)
Peer
Really Bad Chess
Peer
Lichess
New Kid
Core Identity
DeveloperGolmiumOptime Software LLCVintolo LtdKings of Games, d.o.o.Emmanuel MathisZach GageLICHESS.ORG
CategoryGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGames
PlatformiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOSiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOS
Store Metrics
Rating2.2 / 54.5 / 54.7 / 54.7 / 54.7 / 53.8 / 54.3 / 5
Ratings Count41200,91338,0835,6073,6551,621169
PriceUSD0.99FreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateSep 26, 2019Apr 18, 2009Jun 13, 2009May 4, 2023Sep 8, 2014Oct 13, 2016May 15, 2025
Last UpdatedOct 30, 2025Feb 16, 2024Feb 8, 2025Mar 13, 2026Jul 27, 2024Mar 21, 2026Mar 22, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentnegativenegative-mixed---
Score35/10035/100-65/100---
Praises
  • Simple and quick chess matches provide an accessible way to pass time during short breaks
  • Core Gameplay Experience
  • Accessibility for Beginners
-
  • Comprehensive chess lessons and tutorials provide a clear skill ramp for beginners and returning players
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Complaints
  • Artificial intelligence difficulty levels feel insurmountable and discourage players from continuing their daily practice
  • Aggressive Ad Frequency
  • Technical Stability and Crashes
-
  • Frequent application freezes and crashes during matches disrupt the flow of competitive online play
---
Requests
  • Adjustable difficulty settings that provide a more gradual learning curve for casual chess players
--
  • Implementation of clock increments in competitive matches to prevent time-based losses during connection drops
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Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Native watchOS integration provides a unique distribution channel
  • 5x5 board variant enables sub-minute session lengths
  • Treebeard engine provides a unique 'human-like' error profile
  • Massive legacy rating count (1.7M+) driving ASO
  • Comprehensive tutor and safety indicators for beginners
-
  • Treebeard engine provides human-like play style
  • Chess Tutor lowers beginner learning barrier
  • Gamified pet rewards drive repeat sessions
--
  • Open-source engine authority drives high organic traffic
  • Collaborative study features create deep community network effects
  • Tournament infrastructure spikes recurring daily active usage
Weaknesses
  • Technical instability requires frequent reinstallation
  • AI difficulty gap discourages new player retention
  • Inconsistent monetization across iOS and Android
  • Intrusive and aggressive ad frequency
  • Frequent technical crashes during critical gameplay (check states)
  • Lack of modern social and community features
-
  • Frequent mid-match crashes on Android
  • Aggressive ad placement during gameplay
  • Lack of response to online cheating
--
  • Android-iOS rating gap of 0.89 stars
  • Donation-only funding limits capital for expansion
  • No ad-based revenue restricts marketing budget
Pricingfreemiumfreemiumfreefreefreemiumfreemiumfree
Momentum-Maintenance-MaintenanceZombieIntenseIntense
Update Cadence-5 versions, ~313d avg-5 versions, 4 majors/6mo, ~28d avg5 versions5 versions5 versions

Compare Mini Chess on Watch head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Mini Chess on Watch, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

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