DecodeChess review

DecodeChess fills a gap that confuses many improving players: an engine says a move is best but never says why. DecodeChess pairs the Stockfish NNUE engine with its own AI and explains each position in five tabs: threats, good moves, plans, the function of each piece, and the positional and tactical concepts involved. The company says it was built for players with an Elo rating up to 2000 who cannot work out engine recommendations. You can decode your own games, masters' games or any position, and you can play against a computer opponent and decode positions as you go. The free plan decodes one game per day. Unlimited costs $8.25 billed monthly or $84 a year, and paid plans carry a 7-day money-back guarantee; credit packs are also sold as one-time purchases. It is an analysis companion, not a course, so pair it with a lesson app.

Who it is for

players up to about 2000 Elo who want engine moves explained

Price

Free plan with 1 decoded game per day; Unlimited $8.25 monthly or $84 yearly.

Billing type : monthly, $8.25
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Explains threats, good moves, plans, piece functions and concepts for any position
• Built on the Stockfish NNUE engine
• Decode your own games or masters' games
• Play against a computer opponent and decode positions as you play
• Free plan decodes one game per day

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Explains the reason behind a move, not just a number
• Strength: Free plan available
• Strength: 7-day money-back guarantee on paid plans
• Weakness: Analysis tool rather than a full course
• Weakness: Free plan is limited to one game per day
• Weakness: No puzzle library or rated play

Key facts

• Free plan: 1 decoded game per day
• Unlimited: $8.25 monthly or $84 yearly
• Engine: Stockfish NNUE
• Target players: Elo up to 2000
• Guarantee: 7 days

Where it ranks

DecodeChess is No. 9 in our Best Chess Learning Apps verdict.