Terms of Use for ChessMachina
1. Scope
These Terms of Use apply to the ChessMachina iPhone app by Tom Silas Helmke. Mandatory consumer rights remain unaffected.
2. App functionality and historical reconstructions
ChessMachina is a chess app featuring reconstructed historical chess algorithms and its own modern local reference engine. The historical machines are algorithmic clean-room reconstructions based on available historical documentation, not original code and not an emulation of the original hardware. ChessMachina is an independent project; historical machine and organization names are used descriptively for historical identification only. No affiliation with or endorsement by IBM, Bell Labs, or other historical organizations is implied.
3. No guarantee of historical equivalence
ChessMachina does not warrant that a reconstructed historical machine is identical to the historical original. Historical accuracy depends on the documentation available for each machine and differs across algorithm, parameter, hardware, data-asset, and behavioral fidelity.
4. No playing strength or Elo assurance
ChessMachina does not display calibrated Elo ratings and does not assure a specific playing strength. Nor is it assured that the historical hardware performance of the original machines is reproduced exactly.
5. System requirements and device capability
ChessMachina requires a compatible iPhone. Individual features may be available or behave differently depending on device, iOS version, and system state.
6. Local game records and replay
Games, move sequences, and results are stored locally on your device. A replay is deterministically reconstructed from the starting position and move sequence. You are responsible for backing up your own records.
7. Voluntary sharing
Sharing content through the native iOS share feature occurs only upon your deliberate action and to the destination you choose.
8. Availability and changes
Features may be developed, changed, or discontinued where legally permitted and with due regard to users' legitimate interests.
9. Liability
Tommsel is fully liable for intent, gross negligence, injury to life, body, or health, and where mandatory law requires it. For a slightly negligent breach of essential contractual duties, liability is limited to foreseeable damage typical for the contract. Otherwise, liability for slight negligence is excluded. Mandatory consumer rights remain unaffected.
10. Apple's standard license agreement
In addition to these Terms of Use, Apple's Standard EULA (Licensed Application End User License Agreement) applies to obtaining ChessMachina through the App Store. ChessMachina does not use its own, different license agreement.
11. Contact
Send ChessMachina questions to tshfm78@gmail.com.
Last updated: September 21, 2026