Chessnut Air Review

Hi, I'm looking into getting a chessnut board. But I was wondering if it's worth its price. And with that I mean, do the owners of them keep using them for online play or do you end up just using the computer instead?

It might be a bit of a weird question, but it's the only thing that's stopping me right now.

I had a ChessUp board and I returned it. They were very willing to help with the problems I encountered, but I decided to return it anyway.

I am much happier with the Chessnut Air. The app worked for me, the "feel" of the board is better, and there's not a bunch of obnoxious lights.

And then there's the ability to "create" my own pieces with a set of sensors, which the Air can have.

I've played both computer and real people and I enjoyed playing against real people a lot. I see myself enjoying many online games in the future. It is definitely worth the money (which is less than the ChessUp).

Hi,

I have not played that many games yet, and do not have the board for that long, so maybe you shouldn't take my opinion too highly, but anyway:

I bought the board because I dislike playing chess over a screen. Yes, you might have a better overview, and can click on pieces to see immediately where they can go and where not, but I prefer a playing experience where I look at actual pieces, and have to physically move them. This to more closely replicate the feeling of playing actual, over the board, chess. If that's what you're interested in, and not in playing blitz games, I think you can't go wrong with the chessnut air. The price is not high at all, and the technology inside has not let me down yet.

Already I feel myself being drawn to the chessnut pro, and feel a slight regret in not immediately getting the big one, but upon purchase I just didn't realise how much fun it would be to play over the chessnut board.

For me, it's a precious time in my day where I can shut off screens and the outside world and patiently focus on a game on a board.

HAHA! Yes, I see the videos of the Pro and I agree. That may be my next acquisition, to be able to sit in my living room with the Pro and either play a friend in person or play online in a nice quiet area with some music playing in the background.

I am inspired by Michael Tam (@vitualis) and his videos with Chopin in the background (one of my absolute favorite classical composers) while playing. My normal playing space is a little noisy with all the computer equipment and fans running in the background.

And I as well enjoy the 3-D experience of playing with actual pieces instead of the flat monitor - plus I spend enough time in front of the computer screen with work.

This is the exact answer I needed. I absolutely love playing over the board or to play boardgames. I have to save up a bit, but I think I'll go for the air+. I'd rather have the Pro, but I don't have space for it (or the money). The wooden finish of the air+ looks stunning though.

I mostly play 10min rapids, but with this board I will probably need a bit more. Thank you for your answer!

Anyone with an Air or Air + live in the Phoenix AZ area? Just received my second Air + after returning the first one and it has the same issue. Pieces are not recognized and LEDs are lit up all over the board. Would love to try someone else’s to rule out interference. I’ve tried this in several locations in my house, including the grass in my back yard LOL. Would love to meet up with someone in town at a Starbucks and try out each others’ boards. I asked for a refund but willing to continue troubleshooting. Thanks

Sorry to hear, @androp - wish I was traveling to PHX in the next week or two. I would bring my board.

Have you tried resetting the board with the pin hole on the control panel?

Hi my yellow light keeps flashing , have try to upload save games , but still flashing ? I have also done a reset and still flashing ? OK fixed it after doing a down load of games

What kind of phone do you have?

Have you tried a different phone?

Also, is bluetooth enabled, along with the GPS, on the phone?

Do you hold down the board's power button for a couple seconds before trying to synch the phone?

I’ve tried 2 different iPhones and an IPad. Also usb connection to Windows PC. Bluetooth and GPS both enabled. Board connects fine. Pieces are all over the place with random LEDs on. 2 boards with the same problem now. Thanks.

Ugh. Sorry you've experienced it, let alone twice. Before they send a replacement, it would be good to test them.

Here's something you could try. Make sure you turn off Bluetooth on all phones/iPads/pcs except the one device you plan to use.

It's possible you are connecting multiple devices to the board at the same time.

Thanks KingMoored. Good idea, however, when I connect to my PC via USB, Bluetooth is disabled on the board but I still have the problem. Want to hear something totally insane? The board starts working fine after 7pm when the sun goes down LOL. I noticed this as well with the first board I had before I sent it back. Racking my brain on this one. UV rays from the sun interfering ROFL. This is driving me nuts. I love this device but just want it to work. I might just drive down the street to Starbucks and setup the board there to rule out any weird interference in my house. My DGT USB board is flawless. Who knows.

On a side note, one of the white bishops is faulty on this board too but at least I know that can be replaced easily.

Thanks everyone.

The sun itself isn't going to have an effect. I do wonder wonder there is some sort of local RF interference that is on during the day, and switches off at night. As you've noted, the easiest thing to try is to go to a completely different location to see whether you still have the same issue.

Cheers.

I also have weird "interference" on my chessnut boards, on the Pro it was so bad and never ending I got a replacement which is less sensitive. It seems to also depend on the software used, ie chessconnect has almost no issues with the new Pro. On my Evo I get random piece detection in certain areas of the house at certain times. I'm starting to think this might be linked to the smart meters in the house but have no way of making sure. Still, there should be more adequate shielding.

Unfortunately USB and Bluetooth can interfere with each other, the frequencies can conflict.

Also, the interference could be coming from a PC, a mouse or a keyboard, or it could be emanating from a neighbors house.

You might want to get a USB shielded cable and even make yourself an RF shield with a large piece of cardboard, (slightly larger then the Chessnut board), and cover it with aluminum foil on both sides. Try placing the RF shield under, over, and around the Chessnut board and see if there is any effect.

I didn't know that about USB being an issue for bluetooth. That could explain some things, aside from interference with the Air signal. My PC definitely interferes with bluetooth signals. I can just imagine us wearing a special suit out of cardboard and wearing a tinfoil hat when we play. Maybe not.

xctbl Did your chess set arrive as yet ? if so can you post some photos please !

I think I ordered my 2 sets the same day as @xctbl (26-Jan) and have not gotten an email they have shipped yet.

I am waiting until 10-Feb before reaching out for an update to give plenty of time to get them prepared.

I did get my two sets of sensors in from Chessnut. Still looking for the felt to put on the bottom.

Well looks like I’m shipping back my second Air + and getting a refund. Bummed. I really wanted this to work. Such a cool concept. I guess I’ll just be sticking with my DGT board for now. Thanks everyone for your troubleshooting ideas.