ChessAcademy

Chess Academy — Support

Chess Academy for iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Need a hand or found a bug? Email budzillajapan@gmail.com. Please include your device, OS version, and what you expected to happen. Most messages get a reply within a couple of days.

Frequently asked questions

How strong are the computer opponents?

You can pick any rating from 100 to 3000 ELO. Lower settings play quickly and make human-like mistakes; higher settings search deeper and rarely blunder. The rating you choose is the only thing that changes — it’s one engine at different strengths, not a different program.

How do puzzles and rating bands work?

There are 1,100 puzzles in 11 bands from Novice (100–499) to Grandmaster (2400–3000), 100 per band. Every puzzle has a single forced solution that was verified by the engine. Solving puzzles at or above your band raises your in-app rating; you can attempt any band at any time.

What is the Tournament mode?

A single-player ladder against the engine. Win and your next opponent is stronger; lose and it’s easier. After a few games the field settles around your true level, which is a good way to find a comfortable rating to practise against.

How do I play a friend?

Online: choose Multiplayer → Game Center. Both players need to be signed into Game Center (Settings → Game Center on iOS; System Settings → Game Center on Mac). Matchmaking pairs you automatically, or you can invite a friend.
Same Wi-Fi: choose Multiplayer → Nearby. Both devices must be on the same network. The first time, the system asks for permission to find devices on your local network — that’s expected and required for nearby play. If you declined it, re-enable it under Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network → Chess Academy.

Nearby play can’t find my friend’s device.

Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network (not a guest network, which often isolates devices), that Local Network permission is granted on both, and that neither is using a VPN. Toggling Wi-Fi off and on, then reopening the Nearby screen on both devices, resolves most cases.

Does the app work offline?

Yes. Playing the computer, puzzles, lessons, and tournaments all work with no connection. Only Game Center play needs the internet.

Is there a dark mode?

Chess Academy always uses its own dark board-room look regardless of your system appearance, so it’s the same on every device.

What are the tips on the “Support the Developer” screen?

Entirely optional one-time thank-yous. They unlock nothing — every opponent, puzzle, lesson, and mode is free for everyone. Because tips are consumable purchases, there is nothing to “restore” on other devices. If a purchase went wrong, Apple handles refunds at reportaproblem.apple.com.

How do I reset my rating and progress?

Your rating, puzzle progress, and name are stored only on your device. Deleting the app removes them completely; reinstalling starts fresh at 800.

Does Chess Academy collect any data?

No. There are no accounts, analytics, ads, or trackers. See the Privacy Policy for details.

Requirements

iPhone or iPad running iOS / iPadOS 16 or later
Mac running macOS 13 Ventura or later (Apple silicon and Intel)
Game Center account for online play (optional)

Report a bug or suggest a feature

Email budzillajapan@gmail.com with what you expected, what happened, and a screenshot if you have one. If a puzzle seems wrong, include the band and puzzle number shown at the top of the puzzle screen.