Lichess
Overview
Lichess is a popular open-source chess platform. Funded entirely by donations and run by volunteers, the app is committed to keeping 100% of its features completely free, ad-free, and open-source. The modern application is designed to handle high concurrency, supporting a global player base that coordinates over five million daily matches.
The application is built on a highly optimized, modern mobile framework that provides a fluid user interface and responsive board animations. It includes complete system-color integration for Android 12+, matching the player's custom system palettes in real time.
Lichess is built around a robust suite of tools that are typically locked behind paywalls in commercial apps:
- 100% free, open-source (no ads, no subscriptions)
- Local and server-side analysis via the Stockfish engine
- Puzzle Storm, timed puzzle runs, themed puzzle sets
- Interactive study boards, coordinate trainers, opening databases
- Material You system-color matching (Android 12+), multiple board sets
- Up to 50 cached tactical puzzles, local AI practice
The app features deep integration with the Stockfish engine, allowing players to run detailed, multi-line tactical analysis on their matches locally on their devices or on the server. Educational features include interactive study boards, coordinate trainers, and live broadcasts from major international chess tournaments.
The client incorporates modern Android design standards, supporting dynamic system coloring on Android 12+. The developers have optimized offline play, caching a rotating selection of up to 50 tactical puzzles for play without an active network connection. Lichess is also localized for a global audience, with support for 55 languages.
The redesign also addresses mobile-specific layout constraints. For example, system back-swipe gestures are disabled when the interactive chess board is active to prevent accidental navigation while dragging pieces. This makes the app highly functional for fast-paced, high-level play.
Pros & Cons
Completely Free and Ad-Free: Access to all analysis tools, puzzles, and features without paywalls, ads, or premium subscriptions.
Powerful Stockfish Analysis Integration: Run deep, multi-line tactical analysis on matches locally on your device or via server-side engines.
Dynamic Puzzle Storm Mode: A timed puzzle run mode that helps players build speed and tactical recognition.
Offline Caching for Puzzles: The app caches up to 50 tactical puzzles for offline play.
Modern System Customization: Features full support for Android 12+ Material You system coloring and customizable interface themes.
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Inconsistent Low-Level AI Playstyles: Some players note that lower-tier Stockfish levels can make unrealistic blunders while playing overly aggressive openings.
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System Back-Swipe Gesture Conflict: The app disables standard system back-swipe gestures when the board is active to prevent input conflicts, which can make navigation less intuitive.
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More Multi-Click UI Menus: The redesigned home screen and menus can require more taps to reach specific functions like the puzzle lists.
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Occasional Puzzle Selection Loading Errors: Some players report that accessing puzzles from the home screen can sometimes open the player statistics screen instead of the puzzle interface.
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FAQs
Why does the application disable the system back-swipe gesture during games?
This prevents players from accidentally triggering system navigation and leaving matches while dragging pieces near the edges of the board.
Are tactical puzzles available when playing without an internet connection?
Yes, the client automatically caches up to 50 tactical puzzles for offline play.
How does Lichess fund its server infrastructure and development team?
The platform is run entirely by volunteers and is funded by user donations, ensuring that it remains free of ads and paywalls.
Can games be analyzed using the latest version of the Stockfish engine?
Yes, completed games can be evaluated using a local Stockfish engine or sent for deeper server-side analysis.
Does Lichess support collaborative studies and training boards?
Yes, players can access interactive studies and coordinate training modules to study specific opening lines and master tactics.
Hot Reviews
The absence of ads, paywalls, and restrictions on the computer analysis tools makes it the best app for serious players.
The update is clean, but some of the menu layouts require too many taps to access simple stats and puzzle options.
Puzzle Storm is an incredibly fun mode that helps build quick tactical recognition under time pressure.
The lower Stockfish levels can make bizarre blunders and play erratic lines that do not feel like playing a real beginner opponent.