Those spots will never go away if you keep scratching them.
Flexibility--and, well, chess--is the name of the game in Chess Genius. It's got many settings to keep advanced players busy, though non-geniuses might be overwhelmed by its many features and formidable AI.
Chess Genius lacks online play, but you can pass your device to a friend for two-player games. Its solo game offers thirteen difficulty levels and dozens of options for timed games, both in maximum game length and the speed the computer takes to move. Chess Genius is a tough opponent any way you play. We used its Hint button often, and saw plenty of warnings from the optional tutor that alerts you when you make a lousy move. More accomplished players can export move notations as emails, set up custom positions, import PGN files (Portable Game Notation, a standard format for chess applications) from the web, and more. You can also save multiple games at any point to revisit later and play your own music during a match.
You don't need great graphics for a great chess game, but Chess Genius could use a little more flair, and its interface can be clunky. For instance, you have to tap a button to access the move-history controls despite room to put them directly on the main screen.
Chess Genius lacks sex appeal, but it plays a strong game in a variety of ways.
Numerous difficulty and game-length options. Strong AI. Multiple features for advanced players.
No online play. Unexciting appearance and some clunky design issues.