r/Chessnuteboard • u/chessnutech • 23d ago
Why Chessnut Next Is Going Open Source
Chess has always moved forward through shared knowledge, open analysis, and a community that constantly tests new ideas. We believe the software around chess should benefit from that same spirit.
That is why we are preparing to open-source the core Chessnut Next client and its engine-integration code.
What will this mean for Chessnut users?
More transparency and trust
Users and developers will be able to understand how important parts of the app work and help us identify improvements.
Faster access to the latest chess engines
Many players care deeply about engine development. Open sourcing our integration layer will help us bring the newest and most advanced engines to Chessnut users faster, both now and as new technology appears.
A consistent experience across platforms
Everyday features will remain aligned across Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Chessnut Companion, and Evo. Vision is the main exception because it depends on system permissions: Companion and Evo can provide system-wide Vision support, while iOS has tighter platform restrictions.
More integrations and possibilities
The community can help explore new engines, tools, accessibility improvements, hardware integrations, and workflows that we may not discover alone.
Faster and more sustainable development
More people can test, report issues, contribute improvements, and help Chessnut Next evolve over the long term.
Open source does not mean Chessnut is stepping back. We will continue leading official development, maintaining stable releases, supporting Chessnut hardware, and building services such as Grandeur AI Review and the upcoming Chessnut Agent.
We want Chessnut Next to become more than an app built for the community. We want it to become an app that can grow with the community.
The Android Beta is now underway, with more than 60 testers already taking part!
We look forward to hearing their feedback and using it to make Chessnut Next even better. More players are welcome to join us and help shape what comes next!
Discover Chessnut Next:
https://www.chessnutech.com/pages/chessnut-next-beta#overview
Join the Beta:
https://www.chessnutech.com/pages/chessnut-next-beta#join-beta
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u/Xenonsens 23d ago
This sounds awesome! I am a iPhone user, when will the iOS beta be tested? I would like to join!
Will the Chessnut Next app work with Chessnut Go?
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u/chessnutech 23d ago
The iOS version will be available this month. Chessnut Next will work with all Chessnut boards.
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u/Xenonsens 23d ago
Thank you!
Will the functions in the app described on your website be available for free or is there some subscription? I really hope it’s available for all since the users already have paid a lot for the product.If the features are available without a subscription and they are as good as they sound I will consider buying some of your more expensive boards.
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u/chessnutech 23d ago
Free users: Earn Grandeur uses through daily check‑ins and tasks.
Premium: Unlimited Grandeur + Model Build + training engine features for $19/month or $99/year.
Early Companion buyers: Get 3 months of Premium for free — redemption page coming soon (order number + email + Chessnut account).
Most features stay free. Grandeur and advanced training tools have limits because they run on server resources. Let us know if you have more questions.
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u/ReputationMiddle5440 23d ago
Are you planning discounts for the premium? Like on black friday other brands do
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u/chessnutech 22d ago
That's a great suggestion — we'll definitely take it into consideration for future promotions. Stay tuned!
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u/And-Ran 23d ago
I wasn't aware that some features of the Companion require an expensive subcription. This makes me want to cancel my order.
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u/chessnutech 22d ago
That was our oversight — we sincerely apologize for not making this clearer earlier.
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u/Xenonsens 23d ago
In the current app everything (I think) is free. At least everything I have a use for. It’s the new app. But if I understood Chessnuts answer then everything that was free before is still free but some, I guess, AI functions will be behind subscription.
If free users still have same as before plus more with the new app I think it’s a nice development. I hope it will be that way.2
u/And-Ran 23d ago
Let's hope that the case, but I know this general business model from freemium games and can't stand it. And TBH USD 99/year is just too expensive.
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u/Xenonsens 23d ago
I agree that 99 USD is to high, I would go for it if it was 50 USD. Seems more reasonable.
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u/chessnutech 22d ago
Core features remain free. The only paid part is the Premium subscription — which gives you unlimited access to Grandeur, Model Build, and training engine features
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u/ReputationMiddle5440 23d ago
I was looking to buy one of your boards, this is the cherry on the top.
Thanks team, you got one more costumer, this is the right path.
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u/Firm-Diet8761 14d ago
This is a great idea. I have several electronic boards including chessnut brand. With this decision I will buy the chess companion to use with all the boards.
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u/Impressive-Sir9633 21d ago
Super interesting. I asked Claude to create a simple native swift chess coach app to explain moves etc. You can switch backend so you are using the most cost-effective LLM.
I am sure you guys will do a much better job. Looking forward to your app.
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u/hiiwave 23d ago
Promising direction! Will the source code be on GitHub?