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learnchess.ai – Local-first chess coaching app with AI

learnchess.ai – Local-first chess coaching app with AI

by nikolasburk·Mar 7, 2026·2 points·1 comment

AI Analysis

●●SolidSolve My ProblemSlick

LiveStore local-first stack is smart, but chess coaching apps already exist.

Strengths
  • Local-first architecture with event sourced SQLite eliminates loading delays and enables seamless cross-device sync.
  • Plain-language AI explanations for Stockfish analysis directly addresses UX pain of cryptic engine lines.
  • Thoughtfully scoped for beginner/intermediate players—refuses to compete on advanced prep territory.
Weaknesses
  • Chess learning market crowded with Chess.com, Lichess, Chessable (all freemium); unclear what drives switching.
  • Still in beta with unspecified feature gaps; 'things may break' suggests incomplete product.
Category
Target Audience

Beginner to intermediate chess players (< 1800 ELO)

Similar To

Chess.com · Lichess · Chessable

Post Description

I've been playing chess for a few years with my ELO stuck around 1600 on Lichess. I wanted an app that combined puzzle training, interactive lessons, game analysis, and AI coaching in one place. But all the apps I used over the years either felt overwhelming, had UX that wasn't up to my expectations for a modern app or were lacking some fundamental features that I really wanted. So, I built LearnChess.ai.

The technical angle I'm most excited about: it's built local-first using LiveStore (event-sourced, SQLite on-device), which means zero loading delays for user data and full offline support. Sync to the cloud happens in the background for cross-device usage. The stack is TanStack Start (web), Expo (mobile), and it runs entirely on Cloudflare.

Features in the current beta:

- Puzzle trainer with community submissions

- Guided lessons for openings and endgames

- Game import and analysis from Lichess & Chess.com

- Opening explorer based on your own game history

- Stockfish running on a dedicated Hetzner server (faster than in-browser WASM)

- AI coaching integrated directly in the analysis board

- Coordinate training, beginner track, leaderboards, ...

Available on web, iOS (TestFlight), and Android (nearly ready).

Would love your feedback — both on the product and the architecture choices!

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