Last updated on November 28th, 2025 at 11:26 pm
Primus Chess Lite – Entertainment Game Review
Primus Chess Lite is a Entertainment/Strategy/Board game from DBRG Ltd, first launched in 19th May 2016.
It’s rated 4+ and currently has 23+ ratings on the App Store.
What Makes Primus Chess Lite Stand Out
NOTE: This is the 'lite' version of Primus. The full version contains a mate puzzle generator, many more difficulty levels, puzzles, pieces and boards.
A more human chess engine.
Primus is an entirely original, modern chess engine specifically designed for the intermediate player (up to 2000 Elo). It has been carefully tuned to play less like a machine and more like a human. At lower levels, it makes blunders of a straightforward kind that are easy to spot, but at higher levels more careful play is required to take advantage of more subtle tactical and even strategic errors. At its highest levels, Primus plays at around 2000 Elo, but even at the very highest levels, it still has occasional simulated lapses of concentration.
The engine was conceived out of frustration with the overwhelming tactical strength of modern chess engines. Most modern chess engines are so tactically strong that extremely careful defensive and anti-computer play is required to make any progress; in other words, it's nothing like playing a human. We wanted to create an engine that allows for a more human, strategic style of play where there's room to take advantage of the occasional blunder.
We've included multiplayer modes that allow you to use your device as a virtual chessboard, or play via bluetooth or wireless with a local opponent.
Features in this "lite" version include:
- Two player mode over Bluetooth / Lan.
- Tabletop mode so you can use your device as a virtual chessboard.
- Five different skill levels from total novice to expert (21 in the full version)
- Supports all orientations, so you can make full use of your iPad Smart Case or stand.
- Supports multitasking, so you can follow along with videos/ebooks.
- Focus mode, to hide the UI so you can focus on the board.
- Five selected puzzles and practice levels (30 in the full version), so you can practice your endgames or play some interesting challenge levels.
- Mini-tournament mode – a six-game mini tournament mode for the more serious player.
- Elo rating estimation from your game results.
This Entertainment game offers engaging gameplay and regular updates for mobile players.
Player Feedback
As a newer release, Primus Chess Lite is building its player community. Early feedback suggests .
Recent Updates & Development
Latest Update: 21st November 2017
Recent improvements include:
This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.
- Bugfixes
- Performance improvements
- Modifications to move takeback logic
Download & Availability
Primus Chess Lite is available through the official App Store for iOS devices.
Get Primus Chess Lite on App Store
Requirements: Requires iPhone 5s / iPad Air / iPad Air (Cellular) / iPad Mini 2 (Retina) / iPad Mini 2 (Retina, Cellular) / iPhone 6 / iPhone 6 Plus / iPad Air 2 / iPad Air 2 (Cellular) / iPad Mini 3 or later.
Compatible with iPhone and iPad devices.
Player Experience Highlights
Community Insight:
We win level 8 against computer, it is funny to play with the commuter.
The level 5 ai sacrifices its queen for no reason all the time. Get smarter computers.
We were playing lvl 12 and it made the same impossible move multiple times. We were trying to put its queen at jeopardy with a pawn by jumping two square forward. And we were jumped by a pawn from the square in front of the queen. Our piece is lost and a pawn moves diagonal. Its broken. Ill send a video if you contact us.
User feedback from Apple App Store
App Details
- Version: 1.9.1
- Size: 77.82 MB
- iOS: 8.0 or later
- Languages: EN
- Content Advisory:
- Developer: DBRG Ltd
Last updated: 21st November 2017 | Genre: Entertainment, Strategy | Developer: DBRG Ltd