DarkSquares vs Explain My Chess

A side-by-side comparison built from both listings. Blank cells mean the company has not given that detail; we never guess.

DarkSquares compared with Explain My Chess
Detail	DarkSquares	Explain My Chess
What it does	Progressive blindfold chess training from square recognition to full games	Free chess game review that tells you why
Stage	Not given	Not given
Founded	Not given	Not given
Based in	FR	Not given
Pricing model	Freemium	Freemium
Pricing	Free: €0 forever with unlimited exercises, games vs AI, and access to levels 1-3. Pro Lifetime: €39 one-time payment for all 7 levels, all 8 AI difficulties, famous games library, endgame training, and intermediate tactics.	Free: $0. Pro: $9.99/month, $69/year, or $149 lifetime (early-bird for first 100 buyers, then $249). Pro covers up to 100 Coach-explained games and 50 scoresheet photos per month.
Key features	7 progressive training levels from square colors to full blindfold games Unlimited exercises and games against AI Voice-controlled play in 6 languages Progress tracking and achievement system Cross-device synchronization Famous grandmaster games to replay blindfolded Endgame training module Multiple board visibility modes Tactical puzzles and exercises	Accuracy scoring based on winning chances Move labels: inaccuracy, mistake, blunder No account required for free review Import games from Lichess or Chess.com Coach written explanations in plain language Scoresheet photo to PGN conversion Suspected mistakes checked twice at greater depth
What makes it different	Systematic progression from fundamentals to blindfold mastery, not just a side effect of puzzle training Free tier is genuinely free with no dark patterns or engagement manipulation One-time €39 lifetime payment with no subscription required Built and maintained by a single indie developer actively improving the product Available across web, iOS, and Android with unified account	Honest labeling: mistakes rechecked deeper before labeling No uploads for free review: analysis runs locally in your browser Free review never requires account or has daily limits One-click review for returning users with remembered username
Free plan	Not given	Not given
Open source	Not given	Not given
Platforms	Not given	Not given
Public API	Not given	Not given
Community votes	0	0
DR (Domain Rating by Ahrefs)	25 no change since last check	2 +2 (up) since last check
Trust Flow (Majestic)	23	0
Citation Flow (Majestic)	31	0
Referring domains (Majestic)	45	0

5 details filled in for both companies.

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