Is payment secure?
Yes. Payments are processed by Braintree, on PCI-compliant infrastructure. Your payment details are sent directly to the payment provider over an encrypted connection and are never stored on SparkChess servers. In addition, we’re audited periodically by Security Metrics for PCI compliance and to make sure that our systems are secure.
What payment methods are supported?
We accept the major credit and debit cards — Visa, Mastercard, Discover and JCB — as well as PayPal and Google Pay. American Express isn’t supported directly, but you can use it via PayPal or GPay.
Is SparkChess Premium Live a subscription?
Yes. SparkChess Premium is a recurring subscription that renews automatically, so you have uninterrupted access to all premium features for as long as you stay subscribed.
Can I cancel anytime?
Absolutely. You can cancel at any time from your account, with no cancellation fee. You keep full premium access until the end of the period you’ve paid for.
Does one subscription work on PC, Mac, iOS, Android, and web?
Yes. A single subscription covers every platform. Sign in with the same account on PC, Mac, iOS, or Android, and your premium features follow you everywhere.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes. SparkChess is family-friendly. Children can start with a gentle AI opponent, and the coach provides explanations for each move. The fantasy chess set or the new Vikings vs. Ninjas makes playing fun. The multiplayer chat feature is disabled for those under 16 years old and moderated for everyone else. Abuse is not tolerated.
Is it suitable for seniors?
Very much so. There’s no time pressure, the difficulty is fully adjustable, and the human-like opponents make for relaxed, enjoyable games that keep your mind sharp. In multiplayer, interaction via chat helps communication skills. SparkChess also has features for vision and mobility-impaired players. It can be played with voice commands, and the moves are spoken, making it accessible to a wider audience. The interface is clear, intuitive, and easy to read.
Is SparkChess suitable for schools and chess clubs?
Yes. In addition to providing a platform for students to practice and learn chess, we have tools for user management for any organization and we can create a bespoke solution for your needs. Contact us for details.
How does SparkChess differ from other chess programs?
Most chess programs are built around chess engines built for competition. They can tell you with superhuman accuracy what would be the best move at any given moment. For professional, competitive chess players, they’re great. But for the rest of us? They’re intimidating. And boring.
Instead of a robotic engine, SparkChess offers six AI characters with distinct personalities and playing styles, a coach that explains the reasoning behind each move, and beautifully polished 2D and 3D boards. It’s built to make chess genuinely fun for players of every level.
How can SparkChess help me learn or get better at chess?
SparkChess has lessons covering all the basic concepts, starting with the rules, openings, tactics, and endgames. Using the Board Analysis, you can learn how to read the board and look for threats and opportunities. The coach explains in detail why a move was good or bad, as well as its future consequences. If you’re stuck, you can ask for hints. You can also edit the board, replay, and practice with a library of lessons, puzzles, and historical games.
