Brass Pawn

At a glance

• Editor score
  6.1 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  iPhone learners practicing tactics and endgames
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  $3.99/mo
• Structured lessons
  No
• Facts checked
  28 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Spaced-repetition tactics with motif tagging and varied daily drills
  • On-device Stockfish and Reckless engines power play and endgame drills
  • Pro offers a monthly subscription or a one-time unlock

• Where it doesn't

  • Available on iPhone and iPad, not desktop
  • Free training is limited to five tactics puzzles and five daily activities
  • No opening study; progress is stored locally

Our verdict on Brass Pawn

Brass Pawn is an iPhone and iPad chess-training app for learners who want tactical practice, positional judgement, endgame drills and games against an engine in one mobile tool. Its practice mix also includes timed Rush runs, Guess the Elo exercises and a Watch library where learners can take over against the engine. Game Center provides online play. The app works without an account or vendor server, and stores progress locally, so it suits solo learners who prefer self-directed practice rather than a lesson-library format.

The free plan keeps engine play and Game Center online games unlimited, while capping tactics at five puzzles per day and Rush, positional, endgame and Guess the Elo activities at five daily. According to the published plans, Brass Pawn Pro Monthly costs $3.99 per month and removes daily limits; it includes 14,351 tactics puzzles, 116 positional exercises, 15 endgame drills, 1,624 Guess the Elo games and unlimited Rush. The $39.99 one-off unlock offers the same access without renewal or expiry and can be restored on other devices. These options make it possible to start with free play and pay for broader practice when daily caps become restrictive.

The standout is breadth across practice modes backed by on-device Stockfish and Reckless engines, including engine-defended endgame drills and move-by-move coaching and grading in engine games. That gives learners several ways to work on calculation and judgement without relying on a vendor server. The trade-off is a mobile-only scope and no opening study; the app itself describes opening study as a different tool. Brass Pawn fits iPhone and iPad learners looking for compact, varied practice and engine play, but those who want desktop access or opening training should choose another app. Support is via email and community.

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Brass Pawn pricing

All 3 Brass Pawn plans and prices →

Brass Pawn fact sheet

Brass Pawn integrations

Brass Pawn lists 1 integrations on its own site.

• Apple Game Center

Alternatives to Brass Pawn

• CChess.comA broad chess learning platform that combines lessons, puzzles, play and game analysis.9.3
• LLichessA free, broad chess learning hub with puzzles, analysis, studies, and opening tools.9.1
• CChessKidA child-focused chess platform that combines lessons, puzzles, play, and teacher tools.8.8

See all Brass Pawn alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Brass Pawn is listed in our Chess Learning Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update