u/brunzenstein

After giving Chessnut NEXT on the Mac a try, I have to say the Grandeur feature—especially the spoken analysis—is really helpful. For beginners, the simplest review style, like the „friendly guide,“ shouldn’t be overlooked; it’s quite nice for anyone IMHO.

On the other hand, the more advanced analysis options for experts will (Im a lower-ELO player) satisfy even the most experienced and demanding Lichess users.

Sure, Lichess is far more powerful than NEXT, but it’s a bit like the difference between Mac and PC:

• The Mac is a beautiful, easy to handle polished dancer.

• The PC is a brutal, no-nonsense blue collar workbench.

Same here: the Chessnut app is simple, easy to use and navigate, and really nice to look at. They clearly learned from Apple. Aside from a few minor issues and glitches in this first NEXT version, I’ve only found one real bug so far: no Lichess and Chess import, even though it’s advertised.

What I didn't get to work or understand is the Mistake book feature.
Anyone knowledgeable coming forward to enlighten me please.

Overall, it’s just another free tool in the crowd, but it shines in a subtle, clever way: the daily Grandeur tasks keep you connected to chess in a low-pressure, almost subconscious way. And who can complain about that?

I’m curious to hear what other NEXT users think, especially about Grandeur and the spoken feedback.

Do you have any workarounds for the import issue?
PS: Im not a chessnut fanboy, a bot, commercially connected in any way to anyone, aside to my most beautiful Zwergspitz "Jeannie" - I use Mac OS since 1984

The Mac NEXT app (available for download from the Apple Store) is a clever tool designed to encourage daily engagement with both the app and the chessboard.

I’m amazed at how enjoyable it can make a routine that I probably wouldn’t have followed otherwise. The AI-based grandeur feature within the app is particularly helpful for evaluating my game thoroughly.

The NEXT app operates on a business model that charges for extended use of Grandeur. Personally, I find the free Grandeur model sufficient. Only serious chess enthusiasts will need to pay.

However, as far as I can tell, the integration with Lichess is currently limited to playing online against other users. Extended Lichess features don’t seem direct to be supported within the game. That said, puzzles e.g. are to be found in the NEXT app based on lichess anyhow.

In contrast, Chess dot com and Maya3 are fully usable directly in NEXT. That said, this isn’t the primary goal of the NEXT app. The aim it to lure the user to stay connected to chestnut NEXT and that is done well.

If you insist to wander away, you can always use any other platforms that connect the chessnut board via chessconnect in full functionality.

Overall, the Chessnut NEXT app is a genuinely enjoyable and easy-to-use free app for users of all ELO's , ist use is not just limited to chessnut board owners. It’s a real winner. I love it.

I’m sure, hardcore Lichess enthusiasts won’t need this app, but for the rest of us, average chess gamers like me, it’s an easy-to-navigate package that combines the best features of chess and Lichess in a neat package.

Correct me if I’m wrong.