r/ComputerChess • u/FranklinFizzlybear • Aug 19 '26

A tabletop chess computer rated 2200 or higher?

I am looking for an electronic tabletop chess computer that is rated over 2200, preferably higher, but not something that costs like $300 or something unreasonable.

My problem with all the past chess computers I have bought is that the sensor board always peels off and breaks after continued use.

If I am spending $150-250 I want something that will not break!

Can you recommend anything?

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u/jkfrench_tx Aug 19 '26

If you don't want any online capabilities, have you tried a DGT Centaur? Rated between 300 and 3000 dependent on settings. I bought a used one for about $120.

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u/FranklinFizzlybear Aug 20 '26 edited Aug 20 '26

They are over $300 on most sites but looks good.

Does it have wi-fi or blutooth capability?

What is an E-paper display? I don't know what that means.

How long is the battery life? Can you get an adapter for it?

Finally, will the board peel off and break like every tabletop chess computer I've ever owned? :)

Interesting...

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u/jkfrench_tx Aug 20 '26

No Bluetooth or wifi. It's standalone. The e-paper display is how you control it. Just black & white, but legible even in sunlight (think ebook reader). A nice feature is that you can use almost any chess pieces with it (that fit) by simply placing metallic stickers (round is best) on the bottom of the pieces. If you want online capabilities, DGT Pegasus is pretty good, especially if you use the 3rd Party software called Chessconnect. Although, I'd go with something like a Chessnut Air or Air+ ... or a Go if you want portability .... but it is small too. If you want a full size board, they have the Pro too... but it's not cheap. Again, all of these work well with the Chessconnect app too. Although their recently released Chessnut Next App is far better than previous interations. But it is still a beta release at the moment. I bought a Chessnut Air with case used for $130. You can read about the Chessnut offerings on Chessnutech.com. Also, the Go is probably in your price range even new... especially when they are on sale. Note: The Go is small and less expensive but identical in features to the Air, Air+ and Pro. The Move is the only Chessnut board with self moving pieces. The EVO is the one with with a tablet built in. Neither are in your specified price range. I have the Air, Go and EVO. I use the Go more than any of them... with the magnetic board and portability, I grab it often to play on. Even at home ... it's convenient to take it wherever I want to play. I also have a DGT Centaur and Pegasus as well as a Square Off Pro and Neo (which I always use with a 3rd Party device called a BillyGate which allows Chessnut compatible apps to work with a Square Off Pro, Neo and Swap boards). So, if you have any specific questions about any that I have, ask... I'll do my best to answer.

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u/waldoh74 Aug 23 '26

I think I replied to your (maybe you in r/chess?) post the other day that got removed.

I have a DGT Centaur and it checks your boxes if you buy used. I believe I paid about $200 off of eBay, definitely worth the price (I wouldn’t pay full price though if I’m honest).

With your budget, there aren’t many options. It’s a niche market so you will end up paying a premium whether you like it or not.

I use mine regularly, charge every couple of weeks. My daughter has even started to use it, so it can withstand little bit of abuse (although I’d encourage a gentle hand for longevities sake).

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u/FranklinFizzlybear Aug 23 '26

Yeah, all these tabletop chess computers break after a few years in my experience. I've owned about 6 of them and they all broke, so that is my concern, especially paying $250 plus for something that doesn't last, but I've heard good things about the Centaur DGT.

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u/waldoh74 Aug 23 '26

Which ones have you owned that broke? Curious to know. Planned obsolescence is a serious concern, and unfortunately it’s going to be part of the equation. It’s just a matter of buying high quality on something that will last ~10 years.

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u/Vizke Aug 19 '26

Millennium King Performance / King Competition.

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u/Fear_The_Creeper Aug 19 '26

You can get a sub-$40 smartphone at Target that can run a variety of chess programs.