Really Bad Chess
Really Bad Chess Summary
Really Bad Chess is a free, ad-supported, with in-app purchases Android app in Board by Noodlecake. Released in May 2017 (9 years ago). It has about 3.1M+ installs and 44K ratings with a 4.11★ (good) average. Based on AppGoblin estimates, it reaches roughly 15K monthly active users and generates around $<10K monthly revenue (33% IAP / 67% ads). Store last updated Nov 27, 2025
Recent activity: 1.1K installs this week (2.5K over 4 weeks) showing below average growth , and 7.00 new ratings this week View trends →
SDK intelligence: AppGoblin detected 6 development tools(e.g. Google), 6 ad networks, 2 mediation,and 1 analytics: product integrated into Really Bad Chess. View full SDK list →
Data tracking: The app's network data flows (API traffic to/from the app and its SDKs) were last crawled on Jan 31, 2026.
Really Bad Chess SDKs Summary
Really Bad Chess was last scanned for SDKs on 2026-07-11. Below is the overview of third-party companies detected in the app. The full list of SDKs, permissions and unknowns is available here.
AppGoblin saw Really Bad Chess uses 6 Development Tools
Google
JetBrains IntelliJ
Unity
KotlinAppGoblin saw Really Bad Chess uses 6 Ad Networks
ChartBoost
ironSource
FacebookAppGoblin saw Really Bad Chess uses 1 Analytics: Product
FirebaseAppGoblin saw Really Bad Chess uses 2 Mediation
AdMob4.11★
Ratings: 44K
Screenshots
App Description
Really Bad Chess is just like chess, but with totally random pieces.
Really Bad Chess is just like chess, but with totally random pieces. Try 8 Knights, 4 Bishops, and 3 pawns — why not?
As heard on NPR's Weekend Edition
5 out of 5 Stars "An essential puzzle experience for anyone even remotely interested in strategy games" - TouchArcade
Whether you play chess daily, or quit just after learning the rules, this small twist will open the door to an entire new world of chess.
------WHATS IN THE “BOX”?
The free version of Really Bad Chess lets you compete vs. an AI in Ranked, Daily, or Weekly Challenges. Improve your skills using the included Freeplay mode. A single in-app purchase unlocks Versus Mode so you can compete against your friends locally! It also removes ads, displays captured pieces, and adds soothing alternate color-palettes to choose from.
------REALLY BAD PRESS
"Makes chess fun even if you’re really bad" - The Verge
"Feels more modern than chess has ever felt" - Applenapps
"Really Bad Chess takes a really bad idea and somehow manages to make it a lot of fun." - Pocket Gamer
------A WORD FROM THE DEVELOPER
Chess is one of those games I always wished I enjoyed, but its commitment to beauty, elegance, and perfect balance always turned me away. Really Bad Chess removes these boring restrictions and flips chess on its head.
As much as random pieces change the game in some ways, I was really surprised to notice how much the game remains the same, and how powerful some pieces are — you've never truly struggled against a pawn until you've struggled against a pawn in the back row.
For chess pros, Really Bad Chess will give you a new type of challenge — the pieces & the moves are the same, but you'll have to throw out your openings and your understanding of normal patterns of play.
For novice chess players (like most of us), Really Bad Chess greatly opens up the game. Instead of starting by studying openings, in your first games you'll get to discover the joy (and challenge!) of learning how to checkmate.
I hope you have as much fun with Really Bad Chess as much as I did making it.
-zach