Human vs AI

DNAvs CPU
Human – AI Faceoff


Strategy, learning, and a new kind of challenge ("Are you smarter than an AI Fifth Grader?").

Face off against a machine opponent built to learn from your moves, adapt on the fly, and make each generation of games both harder and more satisfying to beat.  While learning, the game will make some truly insightful moves and perhaps some stupendous blunders (and so will you).  How quickly can you learn?

Download (free) on the App Store AI Fifth Grader?  What the? View Screenshots
DNAvsCPU app icon

What makes DNAvsCPU special?

Simple but powerful AI

Play against a machine that learns from your style, but keeps the experience human-sized and fun. Expect surprising early moves and stronger late-game strategy.

Generations & Levels

Progress through four Generations and 17 challenge games per Generation. Each level adds fresh rules, harder boards, and new tactics to master. The advanced games introduce quantum moves, which require new tactics.

Fast-paced scoring

Speed matters. Earn more points and move up the ladder when you win, but think carefully: the system rewards fast play, but mercilessly punishes slow play. Each new game is worth more, while winning previously-won games lose value.

Deep replay tools

Review every match with instant replay, strategy reports, and a detailed history panel to learn from the best plays and biggest blunders perpetrated by your and the AI Engine's play.

How to play

The game is modeled after classic board game logic, but with added twists, evolving difficulty, and a host of optional game-time evaluations and actions. The goal is simple: line up three tokens in a row (like tic-tac-toe), but the way you get there can be almost addictively complex and requires concurrent offensive and defensive thinking. The advanced games add new quantum-inspired moves that require new levels of intricacy and sophistication in your move selection.

Tap. Move. Win.

  • Tap one of your tokens.
  • Tap (do not drag) an empty cell one space left, right, up, or down.
  • Every turn must be a move.

Advanced Gameplay

  • Larger games require updated tactics.
  • Quantum tunneling and wormholes appear in harder levels.
  • Learn how the machine thinks, then outmaneuver it.

Progression and Rewards

  • Win games to unlock the next challenge.
  • Move through the Generations (GenX,GenY,GenZ,HiIQ) with Levels (A,C,G,T) in each.
  • At GenZ, win game T⋮10 and prepare to hunt the Easter Egg.

AI Fifth Grader ???

DNAvsCPU is inspired by classic board logic

Screenshots and Gameplay Highlights

Screenshot of an upper-left A4 board position
Upper left A4 game: DNA is about to win in two moves.
Screenshot of upper-right A6 board position
Upper right A6 puzzle: Blue has a forced win in two.
Screenshot of a mid-game board layout
Mid-game board showing a tight position with advanced decision points.
Screenshot of another mid-game board layout
Another mid-game board, highlighting the puzzle-like strategy of DNAvsCPU.
Screenshot of a strategic screen from the game
Strategy and research tools reveal opportunities and mistakes in every match.
Screenshot of the app menu screen
The menu and research panel put key tools within reach.
Screenshot of research and replay menu
Review the Research, Blunders, and Puzzlers screens to learn faster.
Screenshot of options screen
Flexible options keep the game tuned to your play style.
Screenshot of player history panel
Track your progress with the in-game history panel and stats.
Screenshot of an advanced Tier 3 GenZ T10 game
Tier 3 GenZ game at T⋯10 showing advanced quantum moves.

Game experience

The game is built on a fast, self-contained engine that does not require internet access. It keeps every match private, and it only communicates when Apple verifies purchases.

  1. Play quickly and smartly to earn more points.
  2. Advance through Generations and unlock harder games.
  3. Use undo, replay, and research tools to sharpen your skill.
  4. Compete in Tournament Mode, track your performance, and chase new goals.

Along the way, you may discover the Easter Egg waiting at the top of the ladder.