Lexibook Chessman Elite Interactive Chess Game - 64 Levels

In this review of the Lexibook Chessman Elite the bottom line is simple: it is a compact, education-focused electronic chessboard best for children and casual players who want guided practice. The unit stands out for its 64 progressive difficulty levels and visible move guidance through LEDs, making it a clear learning tool rather than a tournament-grade board. Reviewers will find that its training features and HINT/TAKE BACK functions help new players improve, while a mixed range of build quality reports means buyers should expect a budget electronic product.

Key Features

• Progressive difficulty: Sixty-four levels divided into four game types let beginners progress slowly and face tougher opponents as they improve.
• Training mode: The training function indicates whether a just-played move is optimal or allows the player to try a different move for practical learning.
• LED move display: Sixteen horizontal and vertical LEDs clearly show moves played so players can follow and review sequences visually.
• Advanced ELO engine: The built-in Elo 1800 rating system gives more realistic computer play and a meaningful skill benchmark as users advance.
• Rule aware: The game handles pawn promotion, en passant, draw by repetition, and the 50-move rule so players learn standard chess rules correctly.
• Flexible play modes: Play head-to-head, player versus computer, or use MULTIMOVE to referee a game between two human players.

Who It's For

The Lexibook Chessman Elite is ideal for families, young players aged 7 and up, and hobbyists seeking an affordable electronic tutor that emphasizes teaching and gradual progress. Parents who want a gift that encourages learning will appreciate the built-in guidance and LED visualization.

It is not aimed at tournament players or those who expect premium construction; several users report inconsistent longevity or quality issues, so serious players or those wanting a heavy, tactile board should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent beginner support with 5 explicit beginner levels and a training mode that highlights optimal moves.
• Clear LED visualization of moves makes follow-up learning and review straightforward.
• Helpful functions such as HINT, VERIFY, MOVE and TAKE BACK (up to 2 moves) improve practice sessions.
• Portable power options with AA batteries or a 9V adapter provide flexibility for travel.

Cons

• Build quality and long-term reliability are mixed in customer reports, so expect variable durability.
• Instructions and setup guidance are criticized as weak, which can complicate initial use.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Lexibook Chessman Elite is a strong value for parents and beginners who want an electronic tutor with clear visual feedback and progressive challenge. Its training features, HINT and TAKE BACK options make learning accessible, though buyers should be realistic about occasional quality and instruction limitations. For casual learning and family play it is a practical, budget-friendly choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can it teach beginners?
Yes. The training mode, LED move display and five dedicated beginner levels are designed to guide new players and encourage learning.

What power options are supported?
The unit runs on 3 x LR6/AA batteries or a 9V adapter (both not included), making it usable at home or on the go.

Does it follow standard chess rules?
Yes. The engine recognizes pawn promotion, en passant, draw by repetition and the 50-move rule and can solve mate-in-5 puzzles.