# Primus Chess Lite > Human-like chess engine for intermediate players with local multiplayer. (iPhone/iPad app by DBRG Ltd..) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/primus-chess-lite/id1108509545 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [DBRG Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/964613425) - Category: Games, Entertainment, Board, Strategy - Price: Free - Rating: 4.30/5 from 23 App Store ratings · 19 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 8.0 · 78 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2016-05-19 - Data updated: 2026-06-04 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/primus-chess-lite/id1108509545/reviews.md ## What is Primus Chess Lite? 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. ## Key features - Human-like chess engine - Intermediate player focus (up to 2000 Elo) - Local multiplayer (Bluetooth/LAN) - Tabletop virtual chessboard mode - Five skill levels - Selected puzzles and practice levels - Mini-tournament mode ## Recent user reviews (10 of 19) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/primus-chess-lite/id1108509545/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Nice, waiting for Updates *2025-10-19, version 1.9.1* Really nice game but unfortunately there is no full version available for my region. Looking forward for further enhancements and a unlimited version. ### 5/5 — Very lifelike *2024-02-04, version 1.9.1* This app is just like playing another human and not a computer. ### 1/5 — Fix please *2022-01-16* I was playing lvl 12 and it made the same impossible move multiple times. I was trying to put its queen at jeopardy with a pawn by jumping two square forward. And I was jumped by a pawn from the square in front of the queen. My piece is lost and a pawn moves diagonal. It’s broken. I’ll send a video if you contact me. ### 5/5 — Wonderful *2021-10-10, version 1.9.1* Learning tool ### 5/5 — How good to pass level 1 *2021-01-28, version 1.9.1* Idk if I am going to know what to say now so later ; ### 5/5 — AWESOME *2020-11-15, version 1.9.1* Love it ### 5/5 — Perfect in it’s simplicity. *2020-11-14, version 1.9.1* You do not need any other chess app if you want to play with AI or friend. Just chess. No fireworks. ### 1/5 — 😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡 *2020-06-10, version 1.9.1* HORRIBLE,IT SAYS THAT LEVEL 1 IS EASY BUT LET ME TELL U SOMETHING ITS NOT , U CAN NEVER WIN , LIKE I TRIED EVERYTHING BUT IT STILL DOSENT WORK , THE ONLY THING IT DID TO ME WAS HURTING MY THROAT AND MY HEAD DONT DOWNLOAD THIS JUST GET A CHESS INSTRUCTOR, NOT THIS STUPID LITTLE GAME ### 5/5 — Win level 8 *2020-06-04* I win level 8 against computer, it is funny to play with the commuter ### 5/5 — This game really helps me play chess *2020-05-13, version 1.9.1* And I love it ## Frequently asked questions about Primus Chess Lite ### What makes Primus Chess Lite play like a human? Primus Chess Lite is designed to make blunders at lower levels and simulate lapses of concentration at higher levels, making its play less predictable and more akin to a human opponent rather than a purely tactical machine. ### Can I play Primus Chess Lite with friends? Yes, Primus Chess Lite supports two-player modes over Bluetooth or LAN, allowing you to use your device as a virtual chessboard for local multiplayer games. ### What skill levels are available in Primus Chess Lite? This lite version offers five different skill levels, ranging from total novice to expert, to accommodate a variety of player abilities. ### Does Primus Chess Lite have puzzles? The lite version includes five selected puzzles and practice levels, focusing on endgame scenarios and interesting challenges to help players hone their skills. ### Is Primus Chess Lite suitable for offline play? Yes, the core engine and single-player modes of Primus Chess Lite are designed to be playable offline, making it convenient for practice or play anywhere. ### How often is Primus Chess Lite updated? The latest version, 1.9.1, was released on November 21, 2017. While updates have not been frequent recently, the app is stable for its intended purpose. ### What devices can I play Primus Chess Lite on? Primus Chess Lite is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod, and supports all orientations for comfortable play on various devices and stands. ### What is the age rating for Primus Chess Lite? Primus Chess Lite has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of players interested in learning or playing chess. ## Version history (last 3 releases) ### 1.9.1 — 2017-11-21 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. - Bugfixes - Performance improvements - Modifications to move takeback logic ### 1.7 — 2016-07-13 -Bugfixes (including a fullscreen display bug, some z-order and animation issues). -Performance improvements. ### 1.5 — 2016-05-19 No release notes. ## More apps by DBRG Ltd. - [Primus Chess](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/primus-chess/id1059380269) - [Turing’s Machine Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/turings-machine-lite/id1114457564) All apps by DBRG Ltd.: https://appshunter.io/developer/964613425 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-04.*