The Novag Citrine is a stylish wooden effect auto sensory chess computer with hand carved wooden pieces, featuring a strong chess engine with a strength of around 2040 Elo. Optional PC connectivity allows for play against UCI engines.

For a dedicated chess computer, it’s beautiful - none of that cheap looking plastic that lets down so many other chess computers. The wooden pieces, although nice enough, are a little small for the board and are nothing special.

The auto sensory board works well and allows fairly natural play through the use of magnetic pieces operating reed switches under each square which removes the need to press down to register your move as is common with other computers. 4 LEDs surrounding each square and a 6 digit detachable LCD screen provide a simple but effective system for feedback and menu operation.

The Citrine engine is strong (Novag claim 2330 USCF, but in reality is closer to 2140 USCF) and will provide a tough challenge for even strong club players. For the few who are stronger than this (roughly the top 2% of chess players), there is the option of connecting to a PC via the serial (RS232) cable and with an interface like Arena you can play against UCI or Winboard Engines.

Detach the LCD screen and power adaptor and you have a very reasonable stand-alone chess set offering an excellent compromise for player vs player if a luxury wooden chess set is beyond your budget or you simply don’t have space.

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At last! My new Novag Citrine arrived yesterday. It’s what I expected it to be - fantastic! There are some initial shots below and I’ll give some feedback on it once I’ve had some time to play with it!

I’ve only gone and ordered myself a Novag Citrine chess computer!

I’ll update you all when it arrives.

[Edit : Novag Citrine Review now posted]