Android closed test

Help test What the Chess? on Google Play.

What the Chess? is a 10×8 chess-variant game built around two defining ideas: the Jester, which jumps and converts opposing pieces instead of capturing them, and a flexible back-rank system with 10 named formations plus Custom Build—creating 100 named-formation matchups and up to 576 million possible two-player custom starting combinations. We are recruiting adult Android users to help complete the final closed test before applying for public release.

Expected rollout

Enrollment instructions are expected to begin going out over the weekend of September 19–20, 2026.

The exact timing may shift if Google Play processing takes longer. You can volunteer now; Tim will email your private enrollment instructions as soon as the release is ready.

What testers agree to do

A small commitment that makes a real difference.

The test is free. We are looking for genuine use and useful feedback—not hours of daily play.

Remain opted in to the Google Play closed test continuously for at least 14 days after you join.

Try the game approximately three times during that period. Daily play is not required.

Explore the game and test the Premium upgrade through Google Play’s no-charge license-testing system.

Provide brief, honest feedback about anything confusing, broken, enjoyable, or frustrating.

How the 14 days work

Your enrollment date starts your clock.

Google requires at least 12 testers to remain opted in continuously for the preceding 14 days when production access is requested. If you join after the first group, your own 14-day period begins on the day you opt in.

If you opt in Sunday, your continuous period begins Sunday.
If you opt in Wednesday, your continuous period begins Wednesday.
Closing the app is fine, and daily play is not required. Do not select “Leave the program” or otherwise opt out.
Please remain enrolled until Tim emails you that your testing commitment is complete—even if more than 14 calendar days have passed since the first rollout.

Premium testing

Test the real checkout flow without paying.

Approved volunteers will also be added to Google Play license testing so the Premium purchase flow can be tested without a real charge.

Wait for Tim’s email confirming that your Google account has been added to the no-charge license-testing list before testing Premium. The Google Play purchase screen should clearly identify the transaction as a test purchase. Do not complete it if the screen shows that real money will be charged.

Testers who complete the process will receive complimentary lifetime Premium access.

Volunteer

Join the Android closed-test list.

Use the same Google-account email that is signed in to the Play Store on your Android device. That is the address Google Play uses to authorize your enrollment.