Humans are constantly on the lookout for more engaging and interesting ways to do things. This need isn’t lost on chess players either, as we’ve moved past using regular chessboards to more engaging ones: electronic chessboards!
The world of electronic chessboards is evolving rapidly, and Chess Up 2 is at the forefront of this transformation. As an innovative smart chessboard, the Chess Up 2 board combines traditional boardplay with modern AI-powered features, making it ideal for players of all levels.
In this review, we’ll explore its history, features, cost, and whether it’s worth the investment.
History
Chess Up first gained widespread attention when its creators, Bryght Labs, appeared on Shark Tank. Their vision was to revolutionize how people play and learn chess by directly integrating AI assistance into a live chessboard.
The concept caught the attention of investors and chess enthusiasts, leading to a successful funding round that propelled Chess Up to mainstream recognition.
Following the success of the first Chess Up board, Bryght Labs expanded their innovation with Chess Up 2, an upgraded version featuring direct Chess.com connectivity, improved AI assistance, and a touchscreen interface.
The company’s Shark Tank appearance played a crucial role in Chess Up’s growth, helping it secure funding and partnerships that have made Chess Up 2 one of the most exciting developments in electronic chessboards.
Mission: Making Chess More Accessible and Educational
Chess Up’s mission goes beyond just creating a smart chessboard. It aims to revolutionize how people learn and engage with chess. The founders of Bryght Labs, the company behind Chess Up, believe that technology can make chess more intuitive, educational, and accessible to everyone, from complete beginners to advanced players.
What ChessUp Aims to Achieve
- Bridge the Gap Between Learning and Playing: Chess Up is designed to be both a coach and an opponent, guiding players through real-time AI assistance while still providing a competitive challenge.
- Make Chess More Inclusive: Many people find chess intimidating to learn. Chess Up aims to remove that barrier by making the game more interactive and beginner-friendly.
- Enhance Chess Education: As a STEM-authenticated product, Chess Up is recognized as a valuable educational tool that promotes cognitive skills, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.
By combining technology, AI-driven guidance, and an interactive playing experience, Chess Up hopes to shape the future of chess education, making it more engaging, accessible, and fun for players of all levels.
Features: What Makes Chess Up 2 Stand Out?
Smart Move Guidance
One of the most exciting features of Chess Up 2 is its AI-powered move guidance. By touching the chess pieces, players can see all legal moves highlighted on the board.
Different color-coded hints indicate the strength of each move, allowing users to:
- Learn openings faster by seeing suggested moves.
- Avoid blunders by recognizing weak or risky moves.
- Play at different assistance levels, from beginner-friendly hints to full manual play.
This feature makes Chess Up 2 an excellent tool for learning chess, helping players build strong habits over time.
Direct Chess.com Connectivity
Unlike other electronic chessboards, Chess Up 2 doesn’t require a phone or computer for online play. It directly connects to Chess.com, one of the best chess websites available, enabling seamless live games against real opponents worldwide. Streamers can also hop on a live chess stream using the board.
Built-in AI Opponents & Training Modes
Chess Up 2 comes with built-in AI opponents for those looking to practice. Players can adjust difficulty levels, making it a perfect training partner for sharpening skills. It’s also equipped with the necessary software that analyzes chess moves and provides the best moves to play.
Touchscreen Interface
Chess Up 2 features a modern touchscreen display, allowing for more straightforward navigation and setup compared to older models. This makes it more user-friendly and accessible.
High-Quality Build
The board itself boasts premium materials, ensuring durability and a sleek look. The weighted pieces add a professional touch, making it feel like a tournament board while integrating cutting-edge technology.
Cost: Is Chess Up 2 Worth It?
The Chess Up 2 board is priced at around $399, placing it in the mid-to-premium range of electronic chessboards. While this might seem expensive, it offers unique features that justify the cost.
Who Should Buy Chess Up 2?
Chess Up 2 is a fantastic choice for:
- Beginners: The move guidance and training modes make learning easier for players who are unfamiliar with the technicalities of chess.
- Intermediate Players: The online Chess.com integration provides endless practice opportunities that will help sharpen players’ skills at the intermediate stage.
- Serious Competitors: The ability to analyze and train against AI bots is an invaluable exercise for players who want to compete seriously at high levels.
- Chess Enthusiasts: If you love tech-enhanced chess, this board is an exciting addition to your collection.
However, a standard DGT chessboard might be better if you only want a board for traditional over-the-board play.
Downsides of the ChessUp 2 Board
While the ChessUp 2 is packed with innovative features, it has a few drawbacks that buyers should consider.
Build Quality Concerns
Some users report bumps and blemishes on the chess pieces, making them feel less premium. The plastic construction also lacks the elegance of traditional high-end chess sets.
Software and Connectivity Issues
Wi-Fi connectivity problems can cause lag or disconnects during online play. Some users say the board connects to weaker signals, affecting performance.
Premature Market Release
Some features feel unfinished or require firmware updates to function correctly. Early buyers have experienced bugs and missing functionalities.
Limited Time Control Options
Users want more time settings like 10+5, but options are currently restricted. This could be fixed in future updates, but for now, it’s limiting.
Design and Aesthetic Preferences
Some players feel the plastic look, and bright colors make it seem toy-like.
Conclusion
After thoroughly reviewing this board, we can confidently say that Chess Up 2 is the definition of an innovative live chessboard. It serves as a pacesetter in the chess world, bridging the gap between classic chess and modern technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who Owns the Chess Up 2 Board?
Chess Up 2 was developed by Bryght Labs, the company that created the original Chess Up board.
Is Chess Up a Part of Chess.com?
No, Chess.com does not own Chess Up, but it directly partners with Chess.com for seamless online play.
How Can I Get the Chess Up 2 Board?
Chess Up 2 is available on Amazon, the official Chess Up website, and select chess retailers.