AccessibleGrandChess launches with VoiceOver and braille on a 10×10 board
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In short
AccessibleGrandChess is a new free Grand Chess game for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. VoiceOver can read the board square by square, legal moves, and the result of each move.
The game reached the App Store on 27 October. Grand Chess uses a 10×10 board and adds two pieces to standard chess: the marshal combines rook and knight movement, while the cardinal combines bishop and knight movement. A rules summary is included, but the app is not designed as a beginner’s course.
The developer says VoiceOver users can select pieces, explore the complete board, review legal actions, and choose full or compact move descriptions. Moves can also be conveyed through speech, sound, haptics, and a move log. The App Store labels the app as supporting VoiceOver with speech and braille output.
Players can face the computer at several strengths, share one device for a two-player game, or use Game Center online. Saved games, iMessage play, and an Apple Watch edition are also included. The app is in English and requires iOS, iPadOS, or watchOS 27.
The accessibility information currently comes from the developer and the App Store. The AppleVis announcement does not yet have a hands-on report from a blind player who has completed a game.
Sources: AccessibleGrandChess in the Norwegian App Store with features, compatibility, and release date and the developer’s launch announcement on AppleVis.