Chess Computers for Seniors & Retirees

Here are the electronic chess computers that we recommend for seniors who want to enjoy chess while staying sharp.

Chess Classics Exclusive is very comfortably sized, looks beautiful, and allows for natural movement of the pieces without pressing on the squares. It has a large modular display and all the moves are shown on the board with bright LEDs. It's easy to setup and easy to play and select levels and features. It's one of the best overall investments for getting back into the game and staying sharp.

Centaur keeps things simple. Three levels, just move the pieces and follow the lights - all in a modern black and white design. The plus here is that the computer is adaptive strength so it tries to play at the estimated level of the player. It's not the highest quality but it has been bringing a tremendous amount of satisfaction to players from youth to retirement age.

King Performance offers some savings over the Exclusive and has a classic wooden look as well. The move input is pressure sense type, not auto sensing. It is more hands on when making the moves. The computer is self-contained with no external engine module. So it's just plug in and play. You can add a ChessVolt for power and a ChessLink for internet play if desired. This is the same with the Chess Classics Exclusive.

Mephisto Phoenix M or T. These are the ultimate chess playing machines with a dedicated touch screen module. Whether it's luxury play against the computer, retro engine (computers of the past) play, or online play - it has it all!

Which computer do you recommend for a retiree who wants to learn chess?

"I'm planning to get an electronic chess board in the next few months and would appreciate your expertise and feedback. I'm looking for a system that supports learning and adapts to my level of play (around 1300-1400 Elo, club player). I would also like to know about options for battery and power supply. It's not essential for me to play on platforms like Lichess or Chess.com. As a 64-year-old retiree, your insight would be greatly appreciated." - Michel

Hi Michael, here's some insight around chess computers that would be most suitable:

1. DGT Centaur is highly adaptive and simple to use with battery inside. It's been on the market for a few years, quite innovative. Minimal customization options and no game saving. Just somewhat adaptive to your level and elegant, but a bit cheap in feel. Mid size.

2. Millennium King Performance seems like it may be a better fit for you with far more customization, a classic look, wood pieces, adaptive levels. It is AC powered by default, but you can get the ChessVolt to add 10+ hours of battery life external. Piece movements do require a very light press on the squares.

3. Millennium Classics Exclusive is the same make and again similar size but with automatic sensing pieces, and even far more features in a module and larger LCD screen. It's in the luxury end with wooden pieces and is most convenient. Again, add ChessVolt in the options to give it external long battery life so you can roam in your home.

Notably, Millennium units will offer more for learning. There is built in analysis and best moves suggestions. Also opening move lines and names are displayed. You'll have more in the way of learning than just play.

As the review indicate, all three are enjoyed my many happy enthusiasts. If none of them fit your criteria, let me know and I'll provide more recommendations.