About
ChessUp is the world's leading smart chess board, developed by Bryght Labs and famously featured on ABC's Shark Tank Season 14. Designed for players of all skill levels — from complete beginners to seasoned enthusiasts — ChessUp 2 combines the timeless game of chess with cutting-edge AI technology to create an engaging, educational, and highly interactive experience. The board features a patented Touch & Learn assistance mode: simply touch any piece and available moves light up on the board in up to three colors, each indicating the strength of the move. This intuitive color-coded feedback helps players understand strategy in real time without needing a coach or app. ChessUp 2 integrates directly with Chess.com, enabling players to compete online while seeing their opponent's moves light up on the physical board in real time. The built-in interactive bots serve as opponents at any skill level, so there's always someone to play against. The Balance a Match feature lets players set different assistance levels for each side, making uneven matchups enjoyable and competitive for friends and family. Certified as a STEM.ORG Authenticated Product, ChessUp is a powerful educational tool that sharpens critical thinking, pattern recognition, and strategic planning. It's perfect for classrooms, families, casual players, and competitive chess enthusiasts who want a more immersive, tech-enhanced experience over a real physical board.
Key Features
- Touch & Learn Move Highlighting: Touch any piece and the board instantly lights up available moves in up to 3 colors, each representing the quality of the move, helping players learn strategy intuitively.
- Chess.com Integration: Play online matches via Chess.com directly on the physical board — your opponent's moves appear as real-time light indicators on the squares.
- Interactive AI Bots: Built-in bots provide opponents at any skill level, so you always have someone to play against regardless of who's around.
- Balance a Match Mode: Assign different AI assistance levels to each player, leveling the playing field between beginners and advanced players for a fun, competitive experience.
- STEM.ORG Authenticated: Officially recognized as an educational STEM product, ChessUp is built to sharpen critical thinking, strategy, and problem-solving skills at any age.
Use Cases
- Families playing chess together at home with AI assistance to balance skill differences between adults and children.
- Chess beginners using the Touch & Learn mode to understand legal moves and move quality without needing a coach.
- Online Chess.com players who want the tactile experience of moving physical pieces while competing against remote opponents.
- Teachers and schools using ChessUp as a STEM-certified educational tool to teach strategy and critical thinking.
- Chess enthusiasts practicing solo against built-in AI bots at adjustable difficulty levels to sharpen their game.
Pros
- Intuitive for All Skill Levels: The color-coded move assistance and AI bots make ChessUp approachable for complete beginners while still being engaging for experienced players.
- Seamless Chess.com Integration: Playing online chess on a real physical board is a unique and immersive experience that bridges the digital and physical worlds.
- Great for Education & Families: STEM-certified and designed for all ages, it's an excellent tool for teaching chess in classrooms or enjoying face-to-face family play.
Cons
- Premium Price Point: At $349.99, ChessUp 2 is a significant investment compared to traditional chess boards, which may deter casual buyers.
- Physical Hardware Required: Unlike software chess apps, ChessUp requires purchasing and maintaining a physical device, which can be less convenient for travel or on-the-go play.
- Chess.com Dependency for Online Play: Online multiplayer features rely on a Chess.com account and internet connection, adding an external dependency for full functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ChessUp and how does it work?
ChessUp is an electronic smart chess board with built-in AI. When you touch a piece, the board lights up to show available moves color-coded by quality. It connects to Chess.com for online play and includes AI bots for solo practice.
Does ChessUp require a smartphone or app to function?
ChessUp can function as a standalone board with its built-in AI and bots. However, for online play via Chess.com, an internet connection and a Chess.com account are needed.
Is ChessUp suitable for beginners?
Yes, ChessUp is specifically designed for players of all levels. The Touch & Learn assistance mode and AI bots with adjustable difficulty make it ideal for beginners learning the game.
Can two players with different skill levels enjoy ChessUp together?
Absolutely. The Balance a Match feature lets you assign different levels of AI assistance to each player, making games between mismatched skill levels fun and competitive.
What is the price and does it come with a warranty?
ChessUp 2 is priced at $349.99 (on sale from $399.99). It comes with a manufacturer's warranty and a 30-day return guarantee. Free shipping is available on orders over $379.
