Chess or Little Max?
Both games come with Gather. Here’s how they differ and when each one fits better.
The key differences
- From 3 players on, only Little Max works: it goes up to 8 players, Chess only up to 2.
- Little Max is louder than Chess (loud vs. silent).
- Little Max is quicker to learn than Chess (quick to learn vs. takes experience).
- Chess rewards skill more than Little Max (pure skill vs. skill and luck).
- Little Max has more interaction than Chess (constant debate vs. you react to each other).
- Chess works from age 6, we recommend Little Max from 10.
- Little Max is over sooner: usually 10–20 minutes, while Chess takes 10–40 minutes.
- Little Max involves bluffing, Chess doesn’t.
At a glance
| At a glance | Chess | Little Max |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Board and dice games | Board and dice games |
| Players | 2 players | 2–8 players |
| Length of a game | 10–40 min | 10–20 min |
| Age | ages 6+ | ages 10+ |
| Luck or skill | pure skill | skill and luck |
| Noise level | silent | loud |
| Learning curve | takes experience | quick to learn |
| Interaction | you react to each other | constant debate |
| TV | not needed | not needed |
| Against the computer | yes | yes |
| Teams | no | no |
| Bluffing | no | yes |
| Reading needed | no | no |
Which one suits you?
Chess
Two players, one board, no luck: whoever plans better wins. With a clock it turns into a race against time; without one there’s room to think things through.
Pick Chess when two people want a calm, focused game.
Little Max
Roll, peek, announce – and feel free to lie. The next player believes you or calls your bluff, and whoever’s wrong loses a life. The dice live on your phone, so no cup and no cheating.
Pick Little Max when you’re a sociable bunch who likes putting on a poker face.
What they have in common
- Both only work with exactly 2 players.
- Both are Board and dice games.
- Both also work without a TV, right on iPhone, iPad or Mac.
- You can play both against the computer.
- Both come free with Gather and need no account.