2taps
How to Record Chess Games on Your Phone
If you play chess over the board — at clubs, tournaments, or casually with friends — you know the struggle of keeping accurate records of your games. Paper scoresheets get lost, handwriting becomes illegible under time pressure, and transcribing games later is tedious.
There's a better way: record your games digitally on your phone. Here's how to do it with 2taps, a free web app designed specifically for this purpose.
Why Record Your Games Digitally?
Before we get into the how, here's why it matters:
- Never lose a game — digital records are automatically saved and backed up
- Instant analysis — export to Lichess or Chess.com with one tap
- Faster notation — two taps per move vs. writing each move by hand
- Perfect legibility — no more squinting at messy handwriting
- Works offline — no internet needed during the game
Step 1: Open 2taps
Go to 2taps.app on your phone's browser. No download needed — it works directly in your browser. For the best experience, you can install it as an app by using your browser's "Add to Home Screen" option.
Step 2: Create a New Game
Tap the + button to create a new game. You can name it (the app generates a fun name automatically), add player names, event details, and round number. All of this is optional — you can always add it later.
Step 3: Record Moves — Two Taps Each
This is where 2taps shines. For each move:
- Tap the piece that moved (Knight, Bishop, Rook, etc.)
- Tap the destination square
That's it. The app generates the correct algebraic notation automatically. For pawn moves, just tap the destination square — the app knows it's a pawn. For captures, castling, and special moves, the app handles everything.
Step 4: End the Game
When the game is over, tap End and select the result: White wins, Black wins, or Draw. Your game is now saved with the complete move history.
Step 5: Analyze and Share
After saving, you can:
- Review the complete move history
- Copy the PGN to clipboard
- Send to Lichess for free engine analysis
- Send to Chess.com for analysis with your account
- Share the PGN via any messaging app
Tips for Tournament Use
- Check the rules first — some tournaments prohibit electronic devices. Many are adopting digital notation, but always confirm with the arbiter.
- Enable airplane mode — this avoids any suspicion while keeping the app functional (it works offline)
- Keep your phone flat on the table, screen facing up, like a paper scoresheet
- Install as an app — this prevents accidental notifications and gives you a full-screen experience
Ready to start recording your games?
Try 2taps — It's FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need an internet connection?
No. 2taps works completely offline. Your games sync automatically when you reconnect.
How many games can I record?
You get 10 games per month for free. For unlimited games, you can subscribe to 2taps Pro for $3.99/month.
What about Android and iPhone?
2taps works on any phone with a modern browser. It's a web app, so there's nothing to download from an app store. On Android, you can install it as an app directly from the browser.