Learn Chess with Dr. Wolf 4+

Best learning app out(Gameplay and Lessons)

This app is by far the best chess learning app out there. (Both learning in Gameplay and Lessons)It has all the necessary factors to learn, you not only are told what is best you shown why and given the option to either take back your mistake and learn why it was a bad move OR unlike other apps it gives you the opportunity to stay with your mistake and continue the game and be proven it was a mistake. But before you begin playing you can take lessons. And these lessons start from square one ( no pun intended) from the movement of the pieces all the way through opening strategy, closing strategy, different ways to play and much much more. There are few apps I actually renew after my trial. THIS is one game I will. Oh and the Drs voice is very soothing lol. Makes the game very fun. Bravo to the designers! Ty for the awesome game. P.s. chess masters out there..stop complaining it’s too easy it’s a learning game. “Learning” is in the game title.

Great for beginners or brushing up

My grandfather who taught me how to play as a 6 year old lass recently passed away. I’m his honor I was drawn back to the board. But I haven’t played since college, and if I’m super honest, my adhd made 3+ move strategies hard to keep going so - feeling dejected - I stopped playing. This little app is awesome. It was just like my grandfather ‘you suuuuure want to make that move?’, haha. I’m playing coached games interspersed with the lessons and finally have names for moves that I had completely forgotten I’d known. I’m also realizing that I’m an aggressive player so I’m not entirely certain how helpful this app will be in the long run but I absolutely recommend it for younger folks, newbies, and those like me who forgot how to play. Literally my only complaint is the background music. *** Edit: actually I do have more feedback (sorry devs!). I love the Hint function, it’s brilliant. BUT, it could be great if we got an explanation of *why* a particular move is preferred, it would help with the fundamentals. For instance, I’m learning that I’m a more aggressive player, so when the coach gives me a hint that goes directly against my strategy, without a reason why, it feels like it’s discouraging me from taking risks/initiative.

Developer Response ,

Thank you for sharing your story! We’re thrilled that the app is helping you reconnect with chess and reminds you of your grandfather. We appreciate your feedback on the Hint function and the desire for explanations behind moves. Understanding the "why" can enhance your learning experience. We'll pass this along to our team. Happy playing!

“Expert” level not expert enough.

Dr. Wolf at expert level is no more than a version of the advanced level that makes almost just as many mistakes, albeit less embarrassing ones. When I launch a legitimate attack on “expert” Dr. Wolf, he often makes ridiculous blunders that beckons checkmate in less than 5 moves, leaving me feeling snubbed by the end. There are obviously somewhat educational purposes to his sudden weaknesses, but a difficulty level named as it is should be a platform where highly advanced players can feel consistently challenged. I believe having a more formidable opponent that can still act as a guide through more complicated variations retains more educational value than an opponent who plays with enticing inaccuracy. The latter is, after all, not an ideal role model for the more perceptive amateurs. Also, the concept of “strong moves” are based on very short-sighted standards, evaluating my moves just in light of incidental guiding principles and not the overall strategy of the game. Not expert teaching, I guess. If the nature of the app’s chess advice would be more refined and flexible, this app would become more competitive. And if learning opportunities and consistency of computer strength could be reconciled in an exceptional way, this app would become my favorite for chess.

Developer Response ,

Thank you for the detailed feedback!