DarkSquares

Name: DarkSquares
Price: 29 EUR

Blindfold chess training, broken into 7 progressive levels.

Free · from €29 one-timeWebiOSAndroid

Visit site

About DarkSquares

DarkSquares is a visualization-first chess trainer that builds the mental board calculation, tactics, and blindfold play all depend on. Seven progressive levels take a player from naming squares by colour and coordinate, through piece-geometry drills and held positions, to mental tactics and full blind games against AI. Web, iOS, and Android. Built by ChessDir's editor; disclosed here for transparency.

Pros

Niche done well - the only structured blindfold/visualization trainer with a real progression.
5-10 minute daily sessions fit into existing routines (commute, warmup, between online games).
Lifetime pricing (€29) instead of an indefinite subscription.
Native iOS and Android apps, plus web, with Supabase-backed sync between them.

Cons

Single-purpose trainer; complements but does not replace a play platform.
Heavy mental load - sessions are short for a reason; not a passive lesson app.
Younger product, smaller community than mainstream chess apps.
Editorial conflict of interest: built by ChessDir's editor (disclosed in description).

Features

Tactics puzzlesPlay botsAI coachOffline mode

Pricing

Pro Lifetime€29 /one-time

Free tier includes unlimited exercises and levels 1-3 (board map, piece geometry, position holding) plus AI difficulties 1-3. Pro Lifetime unlocks levels 4-7, all 8 AI tiers, famous games, and advanced tactics for one payment.