Exploring different Chess Variants beyond Traditional Chess

Chess Variants

Did you know that a chess game, with its reputation as a test of planning and tactics, can surprise and be changed by you? Yes! Chess variants had started way before online platforms came into existence.

For example, In the 1920s, a new form of chess called Capablanca Chess was invented, which featured additional pieces and was played on a 10x8 chess board. The game allowed for extra challenges and new possibilities of moves and variations in its preparation, going beyond the usual chess preparation. Let’s deep dive into some of the popular chess variants:

1. Circular Chess
2. Fischer Random Chess
3. Bughouse Chess
4. Crazyhouse Chess
5. Four-player Chess
6. Almost chess
7. Three-Check Chess

Note: These variants can be played both offline and online.

1. Circular Chess
Circular Chess is one of the most innovative chess variants. Chess is always defined as a game played on an 8x8 squared chess board. Did you ever imagine that chess could be played on a circular board?

The beauty of chess lies in its nature no matter what the shape is. Photo Source: chess.com

As you can see in the above picture, the board consists of a-d files in one semi-circle and e-h in the other semi-circle. The round shape eliminates corners, creating continuous pathways for pieces. This affects positional play and control of the board.

Circular Chess as a variant provides a challenge for players seeking to expand their chess skills beyond the conventional and standard chess game.

2. Fischer random chess
Also known as "Chess 960," this variant is one I personally enjoy watching chess grandmasters play. The beauty of Fischer Random Chess lies in its unpredictability; each game begins with a random arrangement of the back-row pieces, leading to 960 possible starting positions.

One of the starting positions of 960 variant. Photo Source: chess.com

3. Bughouse chess
Bughouse is a popular chess variant played on two chess boards by four players in teams of two. The Normal chess rules apply, except captured pieces on one board are passed to the teammate on the other board, who can then place these pieces on their board.

Photo Source: chess.com

4. Crazyhouse
Crazyhouse is a chess variant where players can reintroduce captured enemy pieces into the game as their own. This two-player game, derived from bughouse chess, features a unique strategic twist: captured pieces can be "dropped" back onto the chess board. This mechanic, reminiscent of shogi, adds an intriguing layer of strategy.

In the world of live chess and online play, Crazyhouse has gained a significant following.

Example of how Crazyhouse is typically played online. Photo Source: lichess.org

5. Four-Player Chess
As the name clearly suggests, this is a variant that is typically played with four players. It is designed using a special board which consists of 4 colors.

An offline 4-player chess board. Photo Source: amazon.com

6. Almost Chess
In this variant, the queen is replaced by the chancellor, who typically behaves like a combination of rook and knight. Apart from this unique twist, all other rules follow the rules and conventions of standard chess.

The unique piece that replaces the usual queen into a combination of a rook and a bishop! Photo Source: greenchess.net

7. Capablanca Chess
Capablanca chess (or Capablanca's chess) is a chess variant invented in the 1920s by World Chess Champion, Grandmaster José Raúl Capablanca. It incorporates two new pieces and is played on a 10×8 chess board.

Capablanca chess variant. Photo Source: boardgamegeek

In Capablanca chess, 2 special and innovative pieces, the archbishop (combining the powers of a bishop and a knight) and a chancellor - as we discussed in the above variant almost chess, are introduced.

8. 3-Check
Three-check chess is a variant of standard chess that adds an objective: to place the opponent's king in check three times and that is all! While standard chess rules and starting positions apply, achieving three checks on the opponent's king results in an immediate victory.This variant can be played both over the board and on online chess platforms such as Chess.com and lichess.org.

3-Check variant. Photo Source: chess.com

Each variant brings its own set of rules and tactical considerations, making the game of chess even more engaging and multifaceted. As players explore these variants, they not only enhance their skills based on the unpredictability of moves but also enjoy a richer and more varied chess experience, whether playing offline or online.

Whether you prefer to play chess online with friends, engage in an online chess game with a computer, or enjoy a chess online 2 player match, or a 4 player variant as we discussed above, the unpredictability of moves adds excitement. You can also explore online free chess platforms or play chess online against a computer to challenge yourself in new ways.

When standard chess is concerned, there are also many tools to learn chess online such as chess.com, lichess.org, CircleChess,ChessBase etc. For personalized guidance, consider using an online chess tutor or finding a chess coach online to help elevate your game. Have you come across the world's first AI Chess coach? If not, head on to Caissa which is built by CircleChess.

SUMMARY

Chess variants offer a vibrant and diverse array of experiences that expand beyond traditional and standard gameplay. Circular Chess uses a round board, while Fischer Random Chess randomizes starting positions. Bughouse and Crazyhouse introduce piece-dropping mechanics. Four-Player Chess expands gameplay to four participants. Almost Chess and Capablanca Chess modify pieces and board size. Three-Check Chess offers a new win condition. These variants, available offline and online, provide fresh challenges and strategies, keeping chess dynamic for all skill levels. They demonstrate chess's adaptability and offer new ways to enjoy this timeless game.