If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a grandmaster playing against a ghost, the Chessnut Move is as close as it gets. This isn’t just an electronic board; it’s a robotic powerhouse. The pieces move across the board entirely on their own, whether you’re playing against the built-in Stockfish engine or an opponent on Chess.com or Lichess.
It features full piece recognition (it knows exactly which piece is where) and even supports voice control. Want to reset the board for a new game? Just watch as the pieces scurrying back to their starting squares automatically. It’s the ultimate bridge between the tactile feel of a real board and the infinite world of online play. It’s basically a piece of sci-fi tech on your coffee table.
Buy on Amazon (Commissions earned)
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Automated Magic. No more “press to confirm” moves. The board senses your move and the robot moves the opponent’s piece for you.
- Pro: Global Connectivity. Connects to the major online platforms so you can play a “physical” game against someone across the world.
- Pro: Training Beast. You can import endgame positions from videos or books, and the board will set itself up in seconds.
- Con: The “Sound” of Progress. You will hear the internal motors whirring as the pieces move; it’s cool, but not silent.
- Con: Premium Tech. This is a high-end gadget, so it requires a bit of care (and a stable surface) to keep the robotics running smoothly.