Chess.PhD

Chess.PhD is a free tactics training app that gives you access to over 5 million puzzles, adaptive difficulty powered by Stockfish, and engine-backed analysis all in one place. The name says it all: this is serious chess training, not just a casual puzzle fix.

The puzzle database is massive. With 5 million+ positions covering everything from tactical patterns for beginners to complex endgame scenarios for titled players, you'll never run out of fresh material. The adaptive engine adjusts difficulty in real time based on your performance, so you're always working at the edge of your skill level without burning out.

Every puzzle comes with full Stockfish analysis, so when you miss a tactic, you don't just see the answer. You understand why. That gap between solving and understanding is exactly where improvement happens, and Chess.PhD closes it.

The app works for players rated anywhere from 400 ELO up to 2800+. It has been used by grandmasters for sharpening specific patterns and by complete beginners building their first tactical toolkit. As of 2026, it is completely free with no hidden paywalls or premium tiers.

Chess.PhD is built by Sergei Tovmasian and currently available on iOS, with Android in development based on user demand.