How Much Is Chess.com Premium? Pricing Explained
For millions of users worldwide, Chess.com is the go-to platform to play, learn, and connect over the game of chess. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious competitor, Chess.com offers a variety of tools and features to deepen your understanding and enjoyment of the game. But if you’re considering going beyond the free tier, one natural question arises: How much is Chess.com Premium? In this article, we take a careful and honest look at the pricing plans and what you can expect from each tier of membership.
TL;DR – Quick Summary
Chess.com Premium has three main subscription tiers: Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Prices start at $4.99 per month for Gold and increase up to $14.99 per month for the Diamond tier. Annual discounts are available for long-term users, making it more cost-effective. Each tier builds on the lower one, adding features like unlimited lessons, deeper game analysis, and more puzzle content.
Understanding Chess.com’s Free vs. Premium Model
Chess.com provides a generous array of features for free members. This includes access to games, basic lessons, limited puzzles, and community forums. However, to unlock the full range of lessons, advanced analysis tools, and unlimited puzzles, users must subscribe to one of the Premium plans.
Here’s a brief breakdown of what you can expect from a free account:
- Play unlimited live and daily games
- Basic Game Review tools
- Up to 5 puzzles per day
- Access to Vision Trainer
- Participation in tournaments and events
If you’re interested in training seriously or tracking your progress in depth, a Premium membership can be a valuable upgrade.
Pricing Tiers: What Does Each Offer?
Chess.com offers three tiers of premium membership with escalating features and corresponding price points. Let’s examine each in detail.
1. Gold Membership
Cost: $4.99/month or $29.99/year
The Gold membership is the entry-level tier and unlocks a modest expansion in features over the free version. This plan is ideal for beginners or casual players who want to enjoy a few more puzzles and insights per day.
- 25 puzzles per day
- Five Puzzle Rush & Puzzle Battle sessions daily
- Unlimited Game Review access (still basic in analysis depth)
- No ads across the site and mobile apps
2. Platinum Membership
Cost: $9.99/month or $59.99/year
Platinum offers significant enhancements in both lessons and analysis tools. It’s suitable for intermediate players and dedicated club participants looking to advance their training plans.
- Unlimited puzzles
- Unlimited Puzzle Rush & Puzzle Battle
- Deeper Game Review with more accurate insights
- Unlimited access to lessons and instructional videos
3. Diamond Membership
Cost: $14.99/month or $99.99/year
This is the top-tier subscription plan and is clearly tailored for serious chess players requiring full access to Chess.com’s educational and analytical tools. It includes everything from the lower tiers but also adds several unique benefits.
- Every feature offered by Gold and Platinum plans
- Exclusive video library access with top coaches and grandmasters
- Priority support and faster site functionalities
- Unlimited Game Review with advanced metrics and move classifications
If you participate regularly in online tournaments or follow a structured learning path, Diamond will provide the most robust set of resources.
Annual vs. Monthly Billing – Is It Worth Committing Long-Term?
All three premium tiers offer better per-month pricing when billed annually. Here’s a side-by-side comparison for clarity:
| Plan | Monthly Payment | Annual Payment (Total) | Monthly Equivalent (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4.99 | $29.99 | $2.50 |
| Platinum | $9.99 | $59.99 | $5.00 |
| Diamond | $14.99 | $99.99 | $8.33 |
As shown, users opting for the annual plan can save up to 50%. If you’re committed to using the platform regularly, choosing an annual plan makes strong financial sense.
Is There a Trial or Refund Option?
Yes. Chess.com offers a 7-day free trial for Diamond membership. During this time, you get unrestricted access to all Premium features and can decide whether to continue or cancel without being charged.
Furthermore, the platform has a refund policy which, while not offering ongoing prorated refunds, allows users to cancel unused portions of their membership during the first week of the plan’s launch. For long-term memberships, it’s advisable to take full advantage of the trial and ensure the tier suits your learning and playing goals.
Do Discounts or Promotions Exist?
While Chess.com doesn’t publicly advertise regular discount codes, occasional seasonal promotions (such as Black Friday or anniversary deals) include additional months free or percentage discounts.
Students, teachers, and clubs may also inquire directly for volume or educational discounts. While this isn’t common, larger audiences or scholastic programs could benefit from reduced rates or shared access.
Which Plan Is Right for You?
The right plan depends heavily on your commitment level and what you want from your chess journey.
- Casual players: Gold is usually sufficient for more puzzles and ad-free play.
- Intermediate learners: Platinum opens up the door to countless lessons and advanced puzzles.
- Competitive or aspiring professionals: Diamond stands as the ideal training companion.
By aligning your budget with your goals, you can make the most of Chess.com’s offerings without overpaying or under-utilizing your membership.
Is It Worth Paying for Chess.com Premium?
Ultimately, yes—if you use the platform with the intent of improving or engaging deeply with the game. The educational content, the advanced analytics, and the unlimited practice tools make Premium a worthwhile investment for those serious about chess. For others who enjoy occasional play, the free version might be more than enough.
With the 7-day free trial and affordable annual plans, there’s little risk in trying it out. Just make sure you explore the tools you’re interested in during the trial period so you can make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
Chess.com Premium offers a flexible structure to accommodate players at every level of interest, skill, and budget. By understanding what each tier includes and how much it costs, you can more easily make a rational choice about upgrading your account. Given the platform’s reputation and feature set, investing in Premium can be both enlightening and entertaining for the true chess enthusiast.