Brass Pawn review
A focused iPhone training app with varied drills, engine play and a limited free tier.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
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.
Questions about Brass Pawn
Does Brass Pawn have a free plan? Yes, there is a free plan; paid plans start at $3.99/mo (Brass Pawn Pro Monthly).
How much does Brass Pawn cost? Brass Pawn lists 2 paid plans; the lowest is Brass Pawn Pro Monthly at $3.99/mo.
What does Brass Pawn run on? iOS. It runs as a mobile app.
What does Brass Pawn integrate with? 1 integration: Apple Game Center.
Who is Brass Pawn built for? Solo users and small businesses (our editorial estimate).
Brass Pawn pros and cons
- 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
Brass Pawn fact sheet, pricing and score →
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