# Primus Chess

> Human-like chess engine for intermediate players with puzzles and multiplayer. (iPhone/iPad app by DBRG Ltd..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/primus-chess/id1059380269 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [DBRG Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/964613425)
- Category: Games, Entertainment, Board, Strategy
- Price: $4.99
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 22 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 190 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2016-01-08
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/primus-chess/id1059380269/reviews.md

## What is Primus Chess?

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 a mate puzzle generator to create an almost infinite variety of checkmate puzzles that allow you to sharpen your chess instincts, and multiplayer modes that allow you to use your device as a virtual chessboard, or play via bluetooth or wireless with a local opponent.

We've also added a "Time Control" mode, to allow you to play using standard chess time controls, rather than a predefined difficulty level.

Features include:

- Mate puzzle generator - an almost infinite number of puzzles.
- Two player mode over Bluetooth / Lan.
- Tabletop mode so you can use your device as a virtual chessboard.
- Various different boards, pieces and graphical options.
- Support for all skill levels from total novice to expert.
- 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.
- Puzzles and practice levels, 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 for intermediate players
- Mate puzzle generator with infinite variety
- Two-player mode over Bluetooth/LAN
- Tabletop mode for virtual chessboard use
- Various graphical options and board/piece styles
- Mini-tournament mode
- Elo rating estimation

## Recent user reviews (4 of 4)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/primus-chess/id1059380269/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Fairly disappointed with this one

*2019-05-28, version 1.9.1*

The game forces me to play black I like to play white. Very few or no  pregame settings available. Can’t adjust any game settings before you play. It just starts to play. Slightly disappointed you can’t slide the pieces Instead of having the computer move them. I was hoping it would play like a real 3d board . That’s what I was hoping I would get with one of the more expensive games available.

### 4/5 — Almost a 5

*2018-05-03, version 1.9.1*

I have the iPad Pro 12.9. Would love it if the chess board was more centered and larger around. Please make this adjustment. Kinda annoying 🙈

### 5/5 — Primus Chess

*2018-01-26, version 1.9.1*

Great App. Beautiful. Many levels of play and AI tournaments are available. Good for beginners and intermediate players.
You can play in whatever mode suits your level of expertise and energy.

### 5/5 — Most realistic-looking boards I've seen.

*2016-10-27, version 1.7*

My most common disappointment with my many chess games is there always seems to be bad angle designs. Even with pivoting boards there never seems to be a satisfying angle. This game, however, is gorgeous! I haven't found a way to turn off legal moves yet. That is my only gripe so far with this game. Other than that, I absolutely love playing this! It feels just right!

## Frequently asked questions about Primus Chess

### What is Primus Chess's Elo rating?

Primus Chess plays at approximately 2000 Elo at its highest levels. Even at these top levels, it includes simulated lapses in concentration, mimicking human play.

### How does Primus Chess differ from other chess engines?

Primus Chess is designed to play less like a machine and more like a human, making straightforward blunders at lower levels and requiring more careful play to exploit subtle errors at higher levels.

### Can I play Primus Chess offline?

Yes, Primus Chess offers offline play through its single-player modes, including puzzles and practice levels. The engine itself is designed to function without an internet connection.

### What multiplayer options does Primus Chess offer?

Primus Chess supports two-player mode over Bluetooth or LAN, allowing you to play with a local opponent. It also features a tabletop mode where your device acts as a virtual chessboard.

### Does Primus Chess have ads?

Primus Chess is a paid application and does not contain advertisements. Users can enjoy the full experience without interruptions from ads.

### What is the price of Primus Chess?

Primus Chess is available for a one-time purchase of $4.99. This grants you access to all features and content without any recurring fees.

### What devices is Primus Chess compatible with?

Primus Chess is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It supports all orientations and multitasking for a flexible user experience.

### How often is Primus Chess updated?

The latest version of Primus Chess is 1.9.1, last updated on November 21, 2017. While updates may not be frequent, the app is stable and offers a comprehensive chess experience.

## Version history (last 5 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 — 2016-07-12

-Bugfixes (including a fullscreen display bug, some z-order and animation issues).
-Performance improvements.

### 1.5 — 2016-05-19

-Optional perspective mode; board is still square on smaller devices to allow a bigger touch target, but perspective view on larger devices.
-Fixed some bugs (thanks to those who reported them - we *really* appreciate it...!).
-Performance improvements; a few minor engine tweaks.
-Improved multiplayer save/restart.
-Improved button layout on some devices.

### 1.4 — 2016-01-15

- Roman pieces, boards and campaign levels
- Optimised graphics (smaller, faster, same quality)
- New "show thinking" feature
- Some minor bugfixes

### 1.3 — 2016-01-08

No release notes.

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## More apps by DBRG Ltd.

- [Primus Chess Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/primus-chess-lite/id1108509545)
- [Turing’s Machine Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/turings-machine-lite/id1114457564)

All apps by DBRG Ltd.: https://appshunter.io/developer/964613425

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*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 2026-06-10.*