My Favourite Chess Variants

What is a Chess Variant?

There are some quite interesting games played with a chessboard and pieces apart from chess. This is a not too serious look at these so-called chess variants.

Some of them can be played on the Internet Chess Servers. Here is an overview of some of them, including my favourites.

Some have very different rules than chess. Others have only a single rule change.

Why learn about Variants?

Playing a variant can be a light hearted form of entertainment after playing competitive chess. Some are easy to play, some can be highly complex.

Some variants have instructional value, especially for juniors. Some variants help teach the ability to see ahead and see around.

Types of Chess Variants

Some use all or some of the standard chess pieces. This book will mostly concentrate on those variants which use a standard chess board and do not need non-chess pieces.

There are many variants which use different types of boards. Some are not square. For example, they may be rectangular or Cross-shaped. A few are square though smaller than 8x8, while others are larger. This book will concentrate on variants you can play with a normal chessboard and set. In some cases an additional board or pieces are needed. You will not need to create new types of pieces or boards.

Most variants are two player games. Some are solitaire games, while others are multi-player.

Some variants require a lot of skill while others are much simpler than standard chess. Some variants have a chance element.

Overview of Rules

This is not an encyclopedia of the all the many chess variants. Many of the variants have variations in the rules. This book is not a reference of the rules. It is an overview of variants I have learned, mostly from word of mouth.

Included are:

• Rules
• Tips
• and some sample games of some of the more interesting chess variants.

Knight and Four Pawns Puzzle

The White Knight moves to every square on the board, except those occupied or controlled by a Black pawn.

Nc2 Na3 Nb1

The Knight moves to b1.