Master Chess

The rules are the rules of classic chess. You move a piece by clicking or tapping it and then the square it should go to. The aim, as always, is checkmate. If you already know chess, there is nothing new to learn about the game itself; if you do not, the easy level gives you room to learn how each piece moves without being punished for every mistake.

There are two ways to play. In the two-player mode you play against a friend. Solo, you play against the computer, and you choose how strong it is: the levels run from an easy one up to a hardcore mode. Playing a friend is the closest thing to a physical board; playing the computer means an opponent is always available, at whatever strength you pick.

Because moves are made by tapping or clicking, it works on a phone or tablet as well as with a mouse. A game lasts as long as the position takes to resolve, which on the easy level can be quick and on the hardcore level much longer.

• Start on the easy level even if you know the rules; it is the fastest way to get used to how moves are entered in this version.

• In the opening, bring out knights and bishops and aim at the centre squares before moving the queen around.

• Castle early. A king left in the middle of the board is the usual reason games against the computer end suddenly.

• Move up one level at a time. Jumping straight to hardcore mode tends to teach less than a series of close games.

People who already like chess, people learning it, and pairs who want a board without setting one up. It is the slowest and most thoughtful game in this register. It is also a sensible pick for a parent and child who want to learn the game together, since the two-player mode needs no setup.

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  It is classic chess and nothing else, so there is no story, unlocks or extra modes beyond the opponent choice.

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  The upper levels are meant to be hard; losing repeatedly at hardcore mode is expected. Pick a level that gives you close games; that is where most of the learning happens.

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