ChessAtlas vs Chess Position Trainer: modern web vs legacy desktop
Chess Position Trainer has been a fixture of serious opening study since the 2000s, but the world has moved beyond Windows-only desktop software. Here's how ChessAtlas compares for players ready to upgrade their workflow.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Chess Position Trainer | ChessAtlas |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Windows desktop only | Web (any device) |
| Spaced repetition algorithm | Custom legacy scheduler | FSRS (research-backed) |
| Game import (Lichess / Chess.com) | Manual PGN only | Automatic, both platforms |
| Deviation Finder | Not offered | Free on all tiers |
| User interface | Dated Windows UI | Modern dark-mode web app |
| Mobile | No (desktop only) | Web on any device + native app planned |
| Price | One-time fee (~$40) | Free · $9.99/mo Premium (or $6.99/mo annual) |
| Updates | Infrequent | Continuous (weekly) |
Why upgrade to ChessAtlas
Train anywhere, on any device
No Windows install, no Wine workarounds on Mac/Linux. Open a browser, sign in, train. Your progress syncs automatically across devices.
Automatic game import and deviation detection
Chess Position Trainer requires manual PGN exports from your chess server. ChessAtlas syncs Lichess and Chess.com automatically and uses Deviation Finder to surface the exact move you got wrong in your real games.
FSRS: the current state of the art
FSRS is the newest spaced repetition scheduler, measurably better than the legacy algorithms used by CPT and Anki. Same retention, fewer reviews, less wasted time.
Where Chess Position Trainer still has an edge
CPT is a mature product with 20+ years of incremental refinement. Power users who know it inside out may find its deep configuration more customizable than ChessAtlas's opinionated web UI. And it runs fully offline once installed. If you already have a workflow built around CPT and don't need mobile or game sync, there's no urgent reason to switch.
Frequently asked questions
Is ChessAtlas a replacement for Chess Position Trainer?
For most players, yes. Chess Position Trainer (CPT) is legacy Windows software with a powerful flashcard engine but a dated interface and no mobile, no game import, and no web access. ChessAtlas does the same core job (train openings with spaced repetition) with a modern web UI, FSRS algorithm, Lichess/Chess.com import, and automatic deviation detection. If you're already on CPT and happy with it, there's no reason to migrate, but new users should start with ChessAtlas.
Does Chess Position Trainer run on Mac or Linux?
Chess Position Trainer is Windows-only (some users run it via Wine, with mixed results). ChessAtlas is web-based, it works on macOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android with no install.
Can I import my CPT repertoire into ChessAtlas?
Yes, CPT can export repertoires as PGN files. ChessAtlas imports PGN files natively, so migrating your CPT work is straightforward. You won't lose progress stats (those are algorithm-specific), but all your lines will transfer.
What algorithm does Chess Position Trainer use for spaced repetition?
CPT uses a custom flashcard scheduler that predates FSRS. ChessAtlas uses FSRS, which schedules about 30% fewer reviews for the same retention compared to older algorithms like SM2.
Is ChessAtlas free?
Yes, the free tier supports 200 variations with 1 linked Lichess or Chess.com account, plus deviation detection and the Course Library. No credit card. Premium is $9.99/mo (or $6.99/mo billed annually) for unlimited variations and accounts.
Ready for a modern opening trainer?
Import your PGN from CPT, connect your Lichess or Chess.com account, and start training with FSRS.
Create free account