We cannot control many things in life, but thanks to chess computers (they've come a long way), your chess training does not have to be one of those things. Nowadays, chess engines seem to get most of the attention as they are used to analyze games on websites.

You can turn this to your advantage by getting a different perspective from most chess players, and the AI in chess computers is rated high enough to challenge titled players.

For the improving players, chess computers offer an economical and enjoyable way to improve for many years.

Essential Factors in Good Chess Computers

Unlike some chess engines you can download for free, you will have to pay for your new chess computer. This makes the price one of the critical components in choosing a chess computer.

You are unlikely to enjoy your new computer if you go into debt to buy one. First, decide on what you can afford, and if you are saving towards it, consider layaway.

The good thing about layaway is instead of having payments to make after you purchase your chess computer, you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you paid for it first.

Like most people, price is a factor, and quality determines if a price is fair.

A good rule of thumb is to choose a chess computer that costs somewhere in the middle. Of course, if the price is no object, you could start by looking at the top-of-the-line chess computers.

Paying top dollar for an item is no guarantee you are getting the best chess computer for your needs. A chess computer with a good weight is unsuitable if you are traveling a lot.

In that case, a better buy is a rollable chess computer. Yes, you can purchase a chess computer with a rollable board.

Essentially, the three most important factors to consider are functionality, quality, and cost.

For most people, chess computers at around the $300 mark will provide an excellent balance of these three factors.

The Benefits of Having a Chess Computer

The main benefit of a chess computer, especially in these current times, is always having a training partner available. A chess computer is a training partner that can help analyze your games.

Another good quality of chess computers is your training partner will always be close to your playing level. The chess computer can automatically raise or lower its strength level depending on how well you play.

Now you will never have to worry if your new training partner is too good or much lower rated than you. Finding the sweet spot between challenging and disheartening is taken care of for you.

Analyzing your games is an excellent way to improve. Your chess computer can help you analyze your games and answer questions you might have about other people’s games.

When playing through Botvinnik’s “One Hundred Select Games,”  you might wonder what is wrong with a particular move that the narrator didn’t consider. Now you can get the answer right away with help from your chess computer.

The other great benefit a chess computer offers is you get to play your games on a 3-D board. Many chess players have difficulty switching from the online 2-D board to standard chess sets.

That is why many chess coaches recommend you use a regular board during your chess training.

Thanks to apps, you can still play opponents online with many chess computers. Even though you are playing somebody online, you benefit from using a standard chess set.

A third advantage chess computers offer is that you do not need to take a chess set and your laptop with you if you go out to play with a friend in the park or coffee shop. Instead of using a chess engine on your laptop to analyze your game, you have one built into the board.

Now you can relax a little more because you aren’t worried about protecting your valuable laptop. The fewer things you have to worry about, the easier it is to focus on the game.

Three Chess Computers Sure to Improve Your Game

Here are three top-quality chess computers to consider as your next training partner.

  1. Square Off Pro Chess Computer – great for travel.
  2. DGT Centaur Chess Computer – disconnect and focus on having fun while playing chess.
  3. The Millennium ChessGenius Exclusive Chess Computer – is a perfect top-of-the-range choice.

For Travelers: Square Off Pro Chess Computer

Nothing makes traveling with a chess board easier than a rollable board. Yes, you can have a rollable board with your chess computer.

The Square Off app allows you to connect to players at chess.com and lichess.org or play against the AI. The app works on both Android and iPhones.

Square Off Pro’s board has a rechargeable battery that you can charge with the USB-C charging cable. You can get as much as 10 hours of play from a fully charged board.

Along with the board, you get 34 weighted pieces.

No matter how long or how short your journey is, the Square Off Pro is the perfect travel chess computer.

angle view of rollable echessboard

Focus on Fun With a DGT Centaur Chess Computer

Online chess can be a lot of fun, but there are days when you simply want to disconnect from work and social distractions.

Now you can make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, step away from your work computer, and relax with a bit of chess. There’s no need for tablets or smartphones for a good chess game on an actual chess set.

The AI automatically adjusts its strength to give you a fair, challenging, but not demoralizing game. When you switch on your DGT Centaur Chess Computer, your opponent is ready to play.

dgt centuar chess computer in play

Top of the Line: The Millennium ChessGenius Exclusive Chess Computer

Get your money’s worth with the Millennium ChessGenius Chess Computer. The quality is immediately apparent when you see the elegant handmade chessboard with built-in sensors.

The AI is rated at 2400 Elo, which is high enough to give most of us an excellent game.

As you would expect from a top-of-the-line chess computer, the detection speed and reliability of the moves are first-class.

Optional upgrades include the King Element, which gives your three personalities to play against, and the Chess Link, which allows you to integrate tablet, phone, and computer.

When style, quality, and dependability are non-negotiable, the Millennium ChessGenius Exclusive Chess Computeris a perfect choice.

wooden electronic chess board on display

Final Thoughts

The world of chess computers is an exciting one. The advantages they offer when it comes to chess improvement are undeniable and many.

You can use the hint feature to help a weaker player learn and give you a stronger game. That way, you both get more enjoyment from playing with each other.

Undoubtedly, playing chess with a standard chessboard and pieces is one of the best advantages of chess computers. This is vital to anybody considering participating in over-the-board tournaments.

We are fortunate indeed to live in a time when we can access so much helpful chess technology. There can be no doubt the chess computer is here to stay and will only get better.

Author: This article was originally written by Shaun Sedice