ChessIdea help

ChessIdea Support

Find help with installation, updates, analysis, databases and training. Start with a topic or browse the FAQ.

Choose a support topic.

• Installation

  Windows availability, requirements and engine setup.

• Updates

  Find the application’s update check and release information.

• Play & Review

  Review Studio, review depth and move-quality feedback.

• Analysis & PGN

  Study a position, import games and explore variations.

• Databases

  Register local collections and open a game for study.

• Training

  Opening Training, Puzzles and eligible mistake practice.

This website currently provides download information only. No installer is linked here. Exact Windows requirements and a tested installation guide will accompany the approved build.

The desktop application uses Microsoft Edge WebView2. Release-specific setup guidance will explain how to check that runtime and handle a missing installation.

Local engine setup

Engine-based play, review and analysis use compatible local Stockfish. Configure the engine separately; detailed steps must match the offered release.

Open Settings → General → Check for Updates. Checking for and downloading updates uses an internet connection. An update mechanism does not establish commercial update entitlements.

Read the release history or browse update questions.

A completed game can continue into Review Studio. Use reviewed moves, Engine Lines and the Evaluation graph to examine a position.

• Quick Review versus Deep Review
• Understanding ChessIdea Accuracy
• Move classifications

Use Analysis to study positions, navigate moves and explore alternative or nested variations. PGN import/export preserves supported structure and annotations; not every external extension is guaranteed to work.

PGN questions · Analysis capabilities

Use Add Database and Manage Databases to register supported local .ctdb collections. Search players, filter or sort results, preview a game and open it in Analysis.

Database capability does not include a particular commercial collection. Read database questions.

Opening Training practices catalog positions and variations. Puzzles provide tactical solving with feedback. Learn From Your Mistakes revisits eligible saved game positions; available actions depend on the game and configured resources.

Training questions · How review leads to practice

• Note the application version and workspace where the problem occurred.
• Check that a compatible local engine is configured for engine-dependent work.
• For file questions, record the format and the steps you followed; keep private game collections and personal paths out of shared examples.

Keep any future report concise. Do not include credentials, full license keys, payment details or private game data.