BY VIEWCAST UPDATED September 11, 2025
Forward Chess is revolutionizing how chess enthusiasts engage with chess literature. With a user-friendly interface and innovative features, it transforms the traditional chess book experience into an interactive, dynamic learning tool.
Forward Chess stands out by integrating a chessboard directly into the text, allowing you to follow along with the moves described in the book. This pop-up chessboard enhances the learning process, making it easier to visualize different variations and strategies.
One of the major highlights of Forward Chess is its vast bookstore. The app provides access to numerous titles from renowned chess authors, covering various aspects of the game including openings, middlegame tactics, and endgames. A suggested improvement is the addition of a sorting feature to categorize books by author, series, or date published, which would make the searching process even more efficient.
Forward Chess offers the flexibility to use the app on multiple devices. However, an ideal enhancement would be the ability to sync reading positions across devices. This would allow users to continue reading from where they left off, whether on their phone or tablet. Additionally, some users may find it beneficial if the app supported Windows PC, allowing for an even broader range of devices to access their library.
The app currently supports both landscape and portrait modes. For a more personalized experience, an option to configure the layout, such as positioning the chessboard in portrait mode on the right side, might be beneficial for right-handed users. This level of customization can cater to individual preferences, making the reading experience more comfortable and engaging.
Forward Chess goes beyond just reading by offering computer analysis with the integrated Stockfish engine. This feature allows users to review and analyze positions, enhancing their understanding of the moves discussed. Adding the ability to save personal analyses and make notes within the app would further enrich the user experience, similar to features found in popular eBook readers.
Managing a large collection of chess titles is made easy with Forward Chess, though a bulk-moving feature for organizing books into folders could improve efficiency. Presently, each title has to be moved individually, which can be time-consuming for users with extensive libraries.
While Forward Chess is primarily available for mobile devices, expanding compatibility to include laptops and PCs would cater to users who prefer larger screens for their chess studies. This development would allow for a more versatile usage scenario, especially for those who spend substantial time studying chess on their desktop computers.
As of now, Forward Chess requires users to purchase eBooks from its store. An added feature allowing the import of existing eBooks would be a welcome improvement for many users.
Currently, Forward Chess does not sync reading positions across devices. This feature might be introduced in future updates to enhance multi-device usability.
At the moment, Forward Chess is only available for mobile devices. A PC version would expand accessibility and cater to users who prefer reading on a larger screen.
Making notes and highlighting text are not currently supported features. Adding these functionalities would greatly enhance the studying experience, allowing users to mark important sections and thoughts efficiently.
Forward Chess is a powerful tool for chess enthusiasts, combining the best of interactive technology with traditional chess literature. While there is room for enhancements like syncing across devices, importing existing eBooks, and PC compatibility, the app already provides a rich, engaging experience for readers. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, Forward Chess can take your chess study sessions to the next level.
Forward Chess is primarily a mobile app designed for smartphones. However, you can run Forward Chess on your computer using an Android emulator. An Android emulator allows you to run Android apps on your PC. Here's how to install Forward Chess on your PC using Android emuator:
Visit any Android emulator website. Download the latest version of Android emulator compatible with your operating system (Windows or macOS). Install Android emulator by following the on-screen instructions.
Launch Android emulator and complete the initial setup, including signing in with your Google account.
Inside Android emulator, open the Google Play Store (it's like the Android Play Store) and search for "Forward Chess."Click on the Forward Chess app, and then click the "Install" button to download and install Forward Chess.
You can also download the APK from this page and install Forward Chess without Google Play Store.
You can now use Forward Chess on your PC within the Anroid emulator. Keep in mind that it will look and feel like the mobile app, so you'll navigate using a mouse and keyboard.
