Square Off Chess Set - an electronic chessboard which moves the opponent's wooden chess pieces on its own. Kids or adults can play against the AI or any online chess player across the Globe

slightly larger than I expected, very easy to set up and use, for auto play must be connected to a 'phone or tablet by "Bluetooth" the level settings mean you can play at your personal level.

Firstly my congratulations to the enterprising team from India who conceived this project.The Square Off packaging is very sturdy and protective and should ensure the safe arrival. The outward appearance of the board is very appealing, a polished wood furniture-like finish. The chess pieces are of a familiar wooden design, with spare black and white queens, nicely sized for the board that measures 48x48 externally. (You may want to consider where you store or display this fairly large item)Simple but adequate instructions get you started. The free iOS/Android app is necessary for any play.There is a mechanism locking screw that has to be removed before power up. Unfortunately this lock is not idiot-proof, it is possible to power up while locked, that potentially might damage the mechanism. I would like to have seen perhaps a micro switch where the locking screw defeats the on/off switch. I would recommend locking the mechanism when moving the board as any deviation from horizontal will cause the mechanism to slide about inside, again potentially more damage. To lock the board requires turning it onto its face to see the bottom of the board. I would suggest turning the board slowly to prevent the mechanism thumping to its end travel.In operation the board quietly whirs when making its moves, not intrusive at all. Confirmation beeps verify your moves, but these can be switched off. Once your move is made it cannot be reversed. If the pieces are disturbed for some reason (your cat or kiddies!) the app shows the correct state of play position. Also make sure the pieces are set correctly initially.I have only played against the Square Off Artificial Intelligence. There are levels 1 to 20, I meet my match at about level 4 at the moment! The app keeps a record of all your game’s moves and the board can replay your games in front of you. I haven’t found a way to pause the replay yet, but the app is constantly being updated, so maybe one day. The app offers a direct link to the Square Off team for help, feedback and suggestions. I have not used this service so cannot comment on customer service response. I have not used the Chess.com facility or playing with friends.I have played casual chess for a long time since my father taught me some 60 years ago. The 2 dimensional screenplay of iPads and the like has always been an incomplete experience. This Square Off chess board remedies that giving the perfect environment for gameplay.The constantly evolving app is good to see, any useful refinements I’m sure will be implemented. In addition to the idiot-proof locking/on off switch, a battery charging indicator light would be helpful.Probably not suitable for the variety of speed games that some play,.... each to your own!I know this product is not quite an original idea, but to my knowledge it is unique nowadays.My thanks to Square Off for bringing this to market, a good looking piece of furniture that is capable of providing hours of entertainment.

As both a chess and a tech enthusiast, I had been following Square Off's development with a keen eye. I saw the Kickstarter stuff a couple of years ago and strongly considered it, but have heard some Kickstarter horror stories (product never reaching development, etc), so didn't buy. So naturally, when I saw an ad for the Square Off chess set and that it was available from Amazon and with Prime delivery no less, I jumped at it.My kids are calling it my Hogwarts chess set! They love watching the pieces move as if by magic.I have used chess computers in the past, but the novelty of seeing the pieces move automatically makes for a really fun and tangible experience. Not at all like playing against a computer, rather a sentient invisible opponent! Thinking of purchasing another and sending to my Dad in Australia so that we can have regular games of chess!

The Chess board looks great and appears well made, I bought it as a Christmas present so have not used it. If it works as well as it looks there is going to be a very happy chess addict on Christmas morning. Although the chess set looks nice it would be good if they offered different styles of chess sets to go with it. I suppose it would be easy to alter your own set, as long as it is not too heavy, by putting a small thin metal disc under the felt of the pieces.

I particularly like the. Fact that the computer makes its own moves on the board and the enormous playing strength of the chess computer will serve me for years to come. I believe I will have years of fun with the square lo as well as providing serious study opportunities.

We saw this in action at a friend's last weekend and it really brings real-life physical play into the modern world, I've since been reading about it and checked out their website, it's extremely impressive! Bought one, it arrived next day delivery, very simple to set up and works like magic. Product is really good. Looking forward to improving my play with many more online games. Superb!