I bought this board as, like many I suppose, I feel I spend too much time on my computer (work) and phone ( the rest of the time). I wanted an experience as close as possible to an over the board experience. I really like getting back from work and just switching the unit on to play - either online or a bot. I really appreciate the switch on and play aspect of the device. As other features are added I am sure I will explore them but for now it is the simplicity of the experience which is my favourite feature.
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Agreed, it doesn’t seem like it would be such a big deal, but not having to go find my phone or open up an app and go through a connection process and make sure my phone has enough battery, really eliminates a lot of the friction that would otherwise stop me from starting a game. Just turn it on and I’m quickly in a game against another person or a bot of any skill level, with the full tactile chess experience in the comfort of my living room. That and using the assistance to balance games between me and novice friends and family, so they will actually enjoy playing me. That is a game changer. Everyone loves this thing.
I haven’t gotten into using the assistance as a tool to improve my own play yet, I do feel like exploring lines and variations in post-game analysis will still be more useful. That being said I will definitely get more out of the board when connections are stable enough to play rated games and we have the OTB clocks and Lichess so I can play against Maia, which I prefer to play over the Chess.com bots.
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I’ve never used Lichess - why is Maia better?
It is trained to play more ‘human like’ moves than a typical engine bot. However it only goes up in strength to about 1300 Chess.com Rapid equivalent, and it’s not perfect for opening practice because it will still play the same move each time you reach a given position.
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Sounds good - I’ll have to give it a go
I just got my board. Several annoyances have popped up since I began playing chess that I hope this board will help solve.
I’ve only been playing a few years — on my phone only. I am too anxious to play real games, so I only play bots. I live too far from any chess club, but I’m too introverted to go any way, plus it’s expensive to be a member and pay for lessons, etc. Also, I was so tired of playing on the screen.
So Chessup is great. Physical board, training, and bots. It’s so light and just the right size. It’s not a chore to pull it out and set it up.
I think the board editor might become a favorite feature for the purpose of setting up positions I’m stuck on and being guided through them on a real board.
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So glad you’re enjoying it. ChessUp 2 running without a phone is very convenient, but using the apps to go through lessons and playing through openings can be very educational also.