AWESOME APP (naysayers?)

I usually read through reviews before downloading an app, but found a majority of the reviews here to be unhelpful since theyre mostly one-line complaints without any depth. So here is a helpful one:

1. Bad graphics?
The simple graphics of this app make it very easy on the eyes, but there is only so much you can do with a chess app. Also, it seems that most people dont realize you can change the board and pieces to suit your style, and each board plays smoothly.

2. Bad AI?
Games with AI-only opponents are not fun IMO, so I dont know why people are downrating this app--an app with the best Internet play--for having poor computer matches. Thats like saying a car transports people badly because it doesnt come in red. However, I decided to test the complaints, so I played a full match using only hints and won. To say that the computer only gives hints that cause loses is stupid. The AI suggests moves based on end game benefits, so if you use a hint, and then make a move that does not complement the hint, then you of course the game will seem slanted.

And as for the computer opponents, I found the levels decent enough. I read the review claiming that level 1 was too hard, so I tried playing against the level 1 computer and won almost too easily using the most basic of strategies.

3. Pieces are difficult to move?
The pieces are NOT hard to move. You tap the square once, then tap the square you want that piece moved to. The app even shows you what spaces you can move to. Its not rocket science, and all of the other chess apps Ive tried work in the same fashion. If youre having problems tapping the pieces, then recalibrate you iPod or CHOOSE A DIFFERENT BOARD. There are six choices! Six!

Overall -
Once you learn to use the console (which includes help guides and an online community), the 99 cents to remove the ads is completely worth it. This app is probably the closest youll get to something like yahoo chess, but much more streamlined. The only gripes I have are that you cannot choose random color when searching for games, and that the ads block the area that shows what pieces have been captured. The console could also be a little more user friendly, but this was never a problem for me.

KingKupa about iChess (Free)